Essential Reads: Innovative Methods for Addressing Substance Abuse During Pregnancy

While the use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy is falling, the use of cannabis and opioids is increasing.  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends universal screening for substance use to be carried out at the first prenatal visit with a validated screening tool; however, there are some challenges and barriers to implementing universal screening and providing treatment in this population.  

In this excellent slide presentation from Dr. Grace Chang at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, you will find information on the following topics:

• Prevalence of Prenatal Substance Abuse
• Impact of Substance Use on Fetus
• Screening Tools for Perinatal Substance Use – 5Ps, SURP-P, Crafft, WIDUS, NIDA Quick screen
• Brief Interventions for Perinatal Substance Use
• Medication Assisted Treatment for Tobacco, Alcohol, Opioid Use

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

Innovative Methods for Addressing Substance Abuse During Pregnancy