One of the most difficult steps in rehabilitation is accepting that you need help. This is especially true in pregnant women who suffer from substance abuse. They are particularly susceptible to discrimination and they hesitate to seek help for fear of being judged.
The fact is these women are the ones most in need. They should be given specific treatment through pregnant woman services for the welfare of both mother and child.
When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, her child can die or suffer from physical, mental, and behavioral ailments. These are called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASDs. Low intelligence, abnormal appearance, and unstable behavior are just some of these conditions.
Drug Addiction During Pregnancy
The same problems occur with drug addiction during pregnancy. Even if symptoms can be alleviated through therapy and medication, these are long-term and incurable maladies.
Availing of pregnant woman services as early as possible can prevent further damage. These programs ensure privacy and confidentiality, while the medical staff is sympathetic to your situation. This provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where you and your baby can undergo detox and control withdrawal symptoms.
Rehab centers will allow you to take parenting classes and undergo intensive therapy (individual, group, and family), prenatal care, pregnancy education, and counseling. Activities can be in the form of workshops and job training to help you prepare for life after rehab.
Facilities in Canada
Many facilities in Canada offer both inpatient and outpatient treatments for women. Check the listings for your area and see which center is most convenient for you in terms of location, treatment cost, and services offered. Here are some examples:
Alberta
- Alcove Addiction Recovery for Women (Calgary)
- Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre (St. Albert)
- McDougall House (Edmonton)
British Columbia
- Life Recovery (Abbotsford)
- Peardonville House Treatment Centre (Abbotsford)
- Teen Challenge BC – Abbotsford Women’s Centre (Abbotsford)
- Charlford House (Burnaby)
- iRecover Okanagan (Coldstream)
- Westminster House (New Westminster)
- Nenqayni – Youth & Family Inhalant Program (Williams Lake)
Manitoba
- Teen Challenge Brandon Women’s Centre (Brandon)
New Brunswick
- Fredericton Shelter, Grace House for Women (Fredericton)
Ontario
- Essa Road Simcoe Outreach (Barrie)
- Georgian Drive Simcoe Outreach (Barrie)
- House of Friendship (Kitchener)
- Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre (Ottawa)
- Algoma Family Services (Sault Ste. Marie)
- Algoma Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre (Sault Ste. Marie)
- Jean Tweed Treatment Centre (Toronto)
- House of Sophrosyne (Windsor)
Quebec
- Portage Program for Drug Dependencies Inc. (Montreal)
- Association des Centres de Réadaptation en Dépendence du Québec (Quebec City)
Saskatchewan
- Athabasca Health Authority – Addiction Services (Black Lake)
Pregnancy is a delicate stage for any woman, so it might be best to avail of inpatient/residential treatment. Living within the facility allows for 24/7 emotional support, monitoring, and timely assistance in case of emergencies. This also enables you to get well without interruption or relapse as you go through a carefully planned daily routine. The treatment duration typically runs from 30 days to 6 months.
Outpatient pregnant woman services, on the other hand, would be more suitable for those who still have to go to work or school. This also allows for the patient’s family to maintain constant interaction and support. You may also want to consider the differences between government-funded and private facilities.
But regardless of which option you go with, the important thing is that you have decided to take that first important step towards holistic healing for you and your baby.
