Alcohol and Pregnancy: What to Do Now
Sometimes life throws a lot of struggle into your path at one time, leaving you with the inability to know what to do. If you’re pregnant and facing alcohol use disorder (AUD), know you’re not alone. And, there’s help to get you through this challenging scenario. With the right support and guidance, you can piece together a plan for your future that gives you the foundation you desire.
At Victory Additional Recovery Center, we offer the resources and tools to help you. For over 13 years, our treatment program has helped over 5,000 people to get their future on track. Reach out to our admissions team for immediate support.
What to Do When You Find Out You’re Pregnant
If you are pregnant and facing AUD, there are several steps necessary to take to protect your well-being and that of your child. During this time, it’s critically important to know that pregnancy demands that you stop using alcohol, but your brain is still wired to addictive and dependent behavior. That’s why you need more help than just making a statement such as “I’m just not going to drink right now.”
The Importance of Not Using Alcohol During Pregnancy
No amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is safe. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism show that prenatal alcohol exposure creates a high risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Premature birth
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)
Recognizing the risks of continuing to drink alcohol is the first step in making a change. For most mothers-to-be, this isn’t easy to do, but with help, you can move your health forward and protect your child.
Did you know:
- FASD affects 1% to 5% of children in the first grade.
- 14% of women between the ages of 18 and 49 reported drinking alcohol
- 5% of women reported binge drinking in the previous 30 days
The statistics are scary for you. You may know that drinking alcohol during pregnancy is not safe. But what do you do when you cannot stop, even if you want to, and have tried?
Get Help to Stop Drinking Alcohol
At Victory, we offer a comprehensive alcohol addiction program that treats AUD, a chronic condition that causes an inability to control or stop drinking even when you realize the risk for negative consequences. If you are struggling with the signs of alcohol use disorder, including increased need to drink (and often drink more), withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking, and neglect of your responsibilities, it’s time to get help. Our team will partner with your doctor to provide the resources necessary to help you start on the path of healing. We offer gender-specific recovery so that you always feel supported and comfortable during your time with us.
The type of treatment you need now is dependent on the severity of your addiction. We offer a range of programs for AUD treatment, including:
- Medically monitored detox to help you stop drinking while protecting your health and minimizing withdrawal symptoms
- Intensive outpatient treatment for those who have a strong, drug-free environment to live in
- Residential treatment options for you, depending on your current needs
- Family therapy
- Continuing care
With a strong and tailored treatment program that fits your needs, our team at Victory becomes your ally and supportive resource. We do more than just help you stop drinking during pregnancy.
Beating Addiction to Alcohol During Pregnancy
Beyond helping you to stop drinking, our AUD treatment program provides you with the resources to help you recover from addiction. To do this, we incorporate relapse prevention programs and individual therapy sessions designed to provide you with very specific support for your current needs. Our team will help you prepare for your new life and role while also helping your family to become the resource you need them to be during your recovery.
Our continuing care model becomes a resource for you. We offer continuing care in our Lafayette and Metairie, Louisiana, locations to help you stay on track and continue to build long-term sobriety. You are not facing a future that leaves you on your own. With our team, you are able to continuously receive support and even become a trusted alumnus within our program.
Contact Victory Now to Learn How We Can Support You
With guidance and support, our team can help you build a strong alcohol-free future. If you’re pregnant and struggling to know what to do now, reach out to our admissions team. If we cannot provide immediate care, we will help you find the support necessary. Contact Victory Addiction Recovery Center now.