Difference between revisions of "Reduce Stigma for Pregnant People with SUDs"

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SAMSHA defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”  SAMSHA lists health, home, purpose, and community as essential dimensions of support for a life in recovery. <ref> https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/02._webcast_3_resources.pdf</ref> Stigma is a barrier in recovery.  When a person with substance use disorder reaches out for help, he or she is often met with judgmental responses which are less than helpful. This is the result of stigma and can be overt or more subtle. Stigma comes in the form of language used, pity, disdain, silence, or rejection.  Persons with mental health and substance use problems are exposed to an array of stigma components which interact to endanger their mental health. These components include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. <ref>Corrigan P. W. “How stigma interferes with mental health care,” American Psychologist. 2004;59(7):614–625. Retrieved at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15491256/</ref>
SAMSHA defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”  SAMSHA lists health, home, purpose, and community as essential dimensions of support for a life in recovery. <ref> https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/02._webcast_3_resources.pdf</ref> Stigma is a barrier in recovery.  When a person with substance use disorder reaches out for help, he or she is often met with judgmental responses which are less than helpful. This is the result of stigma and can be overt or more subtle. Stigma comes in the form of language used, pity, disdain, silence, or rejection.  Persons with mental health and substance use problems are exposed to an array of stigma components which interact to endanger their mental health. These components include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. <ref>Corrigan P. W. “How stigma interferes with mental health care,” American Psychologist. 2004;59(7):614–625. Retrieved at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15491256/</ref>


Studies have shown that people with substance use disorder experience labeling, shame, and rejection from family members, friends, teachers, co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals. This stigma can get in the way of the support that people in recovery need -- especially those in early recovery. Outside stigma can become internalized, leading people in recovery to embody and adopt inaccurate beliefs about themselves due to their exposure to external stigmatizing forces. <ref> https://attcnetwork.org</ref> Women have different experiences with SUD both biologically as well as culturally, as they are seen as caregivers and mothers. Barriers and challenges include: <ref>https://infantcrier.mi-aimh.org/perinatal-substance-use-an-update-and-reflection-on-the-importance-of-relationship/#respond</ref>
Studies have shown that people with substance use disorder experience labeling, shame, and rejection from family members, friends, teachers, co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals. This stigma can get in the way of the support that people in recovery need -- especially those in early recovery. Outside stigma can become internalized, leading people in recovery to embody and adopt inaccurate beliefs about themselves due to their exposure to external stigmatizing forces. <ref> https://attcnetwork.org</ref>
 
*Women are at highest risk for developing SUDs during reproductive years
*Poly-substance use is common
*Unintended pregnancy rate among people with SUD is approximately 80%
*Substance use in pregnancy is connected to many complications and negative health outcomes for mother and baby
*As many as 70% of women entering treatment for substance use disorder have children and primary responsibility for children
*Family responsibilities can interfere with regular attendance in treatment sessions, including challenges with childcare
*Hesitancy to seek treatment for fear of legal action or legal issues, including child protective services
*Covid-19 made barriers to access to care more challenging
*Transportation issues
*Past trauma may impact stigma and reaching out for care
 
Other areas of stigma for pregnant people with SUDs include those seeking medication-assisted treatment and those with HIV or other infectious diseases. Educating providers and communities about pregnancy and substance use can assist with reducing harm and facilitate pregnant people getting access to care and services. <ref>https://www.astho.org/globalassets/brief/stigma-reinforces-barriers-to-care-for-pregnant-and-postpartum-women-with-substance-use-disorders.pdf</ref>


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Revision as of 11:43, 8 December 2024

Introductory Paragraph

Reducing stigma and perception surrounding pregnancy and SUDs will increase access to care. Pregnant people with SUDs may face feelings of shame and guilt on top of their challenges with childcare, social service involvement, and access to care. These difficulties are amplified by stigma. It should be noted that pregnant people with an SUD are not one uniform group in their behavior. Some are actively using, others are in recovery, and others my be engaged in harm reduction, such as medicated assisted treatment. Nonetheless, as a sub-population they face similar hardships around stigma.

Key Information

SAMSHA defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” SAMSHA lists health, home, purpose, and community as essential dimensions of support for a life in recovery. [1] Stigma is a barrier in recovery. When a person with substance use disorder reaches out for help, he or she is often met with judgmental responses which are less than helpful. This is the result of stigma and can be overt or more subtle. Stigma comes in the form of language used, pity, disdain, silence, or rejection. Persons with mental health and substance use problems are exposed to an array of stigma components which interact to endanger their mental health. These components include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. [2]

Studies have shown that people with substance use disorder experience labeling, shame, and rejection from family members, friends, teachers, co-workers, supervisors, and health care professionals. This stigma can get in the way of the support that people in recovery need -- especially those in early recovery. Outside stigma can become internalized, leading people in recovery to embody and adopt inaccurate beliefs about themselves due to their exposure to external stigmatizing forces. [3]

Sources

  1. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/02._webcast_3_resources.pdf
  2. Corrigan P. W. “How stigma interferes with mental health care,” American Psychologist. 2004;59(7):614–625. Retrieved at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15491256/
  3. https://attcnetwork.org