While substance use disorders among women have risen for decades, treatment and recovery services designed initially for men do not necessarily support women, especially those who are pregnant or parenting and have an opioid use disorder. Presenters will discuss research surrounding women who are pregnant, postpartum, and experiencing a substance and opioid use disorder; explore the intricacies of substance use disorders related to pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns; and present evidence-based, best-practice, and gold standard treatment, recovery, and supportive services for this vulnerable population.

Educational Objectives

• Define substance use disorder and the potential complications for infants born to women with SUD
• Identify gaps and barriers to recovery services for pregnant and postpartum women
• Analyze why this subset of people with substance use disorders requires a long-term and potentially medication-assisted approach to treatment

Level Basic