The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently published a report that highlighted a significant increase in drug overdose deaths among pregnant and postpartum individuals between 2018 and 2021. This rise in overdose deaths closely mirrors the ongoing trend of drug-related fatalities in the United States since the start of the opioid epidemic in the 1990s.
The report, which was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data on more than 17,000 deaths, focusing on individuals who were either pregnant or had given birth within the past year. The findings indicated that the rate of overdose deaths more than tripled for pregnant and postpartum women aged 35 to 44 during this period. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in overdose deaths among pregnant or postpartum Black women, aligning with the overall rise in maternal mortality rates among this demographic.
Experts attribute the surge in overdose deaths to various factors, including the social isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the inadequate access to prenatal and postpartum care in the United States.
The majority of pregnancy-associated overdose fatalities involved opioids, particularly fentanyl, and many of these deaths occurred outside of healthcare facilities. This calls for better support during and after pregnancy for those struggling with substance use disorders. Additionally, there is a need to educate individuals about treatment options and to remove barriers that prevent pregnant people from seeking treatment for substance use disorders out of fear of legal repercussions.
The stigma surrounding drug use during pregnancy, as well as the fear of being penalized, can deter pregnant and postpartum individuals from seeking help. Current treatments for opioid use disorders during and after pregnancy involve a combination of methadone or buprenorphine along with behavioral therapy, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Experts emphasize the need to create an environment where people struggling with substance use can disclose their issues and access the necessary resources without fear of judgment or legal actions.
To address these challenges, the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health has awarded over $3.6 million to seven organizations dedicated to assisting individuals dealing with substance use disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The grant aims to provide support and resources for pregnant and postpartum individuals grappling with substance use disorders.
Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize substance use as a medical condition and remove the stigma associated with it. Experts stress the importance of providing non-judgmental support for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with substance use, emphasizing that it is not a moral failing, but a medical condition that requires proper care and understanding.