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Substance Use Treatment During Pregnancy
Plain-English information summarised from official sources. Not personal medical advice.
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The Short Answer
This guide provides a summary of official government information about substance use treatment during pregnancy. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are pregnant and have questions about substance use, you should talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician.
In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Your Safety Comes First
If you or someone else is in danger or has overdosed, call 911 now. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time.
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician before you start, stop or change any medication, and do not try to manage withdrawal on your own.
Key Points
- Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician about any medication, pregnancy, or substance use decision. Never start, stop, or change any medication without professional guidance.
- In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, as shared by SAMHSA.
- Medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are used by healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid use disorder during pregnancy, according to SAMHSA and NIDA.
- Withdrawal from opioids during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus; do not attempt to stop or reduce medication on your own.
- Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder during pregnancy is a critical step for the health of both the mother and the baby, as noted by the CDC and NIDA.
- SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov can help locate treatment providers, but any treatment decisions must be made in consultation with a clinician.
Why Professional Medical Guidance Is Essential
It is critical to talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician about any decisions regarding substance use and pregnancy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that substance use during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks for both the mother and the developing baby. Only a qualified healthcare professional can provide an appropriate assessment, discuss treatment options, and monitor the health of both the mother and the child.
Do not start, stop, or change any medication or substance without guidance from a clinician, as sudden changes can be dangerous. In an emergency, call 911. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy
For pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder, medications such as methadone and buprenorphine are used as part of a comprehensive medical treatment plan. SAMHSA notes that these medications are FDA-approved and can help reduce the risk of relapse and improve outcomes for mother and baby. However, the use of any medication during pregnancy must be carefully managed by a doctor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that withdrawal from opioids during pregnancy can be harmful and should not be attempted without medical supervision. A clinician will determine the appropriate treatment approach based on individual medical needs.
Risks of Untreated Substance Use and Withdrawal
Untreated substance use during pregnancy can pose significant risks, including preterm labor, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), as described by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The CDC highlights that abruptly stopping or reducing opioid use (medically supervised withdrawal) during pregnancy can also lead to serious complications and is typically not recommended. This is why it is imperative to work with a healthcare provider to manage any substance use disorder safely.
The health of both the mother and the baby depends on stable, medical care. In a crisis, call or text 988.
How to Find Treatment and Support
To find a treatment provider for substance use disorders during pregnancy, you can use SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov online locator. This tool can help identify healthcare facilities and clinicians in your area. However, this resource is for informational purposes only; all treatment decisions must be discussed directly with a doctor or licensed clinician.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, reachable by calling or texting 988, is available 24/7 for crisis support. For any medical emergency, always call 911.
What to Discuss with Your Doctor
When talking to your doctor about substance use and pregnancy, it is important to have an open and honest conversation. You may want to ask about the safest treatment options for your specific condition, how your condition and treatment will be monitored, and what support services are available for you and your baby. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that treatment is effective and recovery is possible.
Your clinician can also address questions about neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and what to expect after delivery. Do not hesitate to ask questions about any concerns you have.
Important Safety Information
The official sources emphasize that there is no single, correct answer for every individual. You must talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician about your own situation. Never give medication to another person, and keep all medications out of reach of children.
The CDC warns about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and other adulterated drugs, which greatly increase the risk of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. For emotional or crisis support, call or text 988.
Find Treatment by State
Browse every state covered by this directory. Counts show facilities reporting the guide topic, once per state. Counts are omitted where topic facts are unavailable. State pages show all listed care unless a topic-specific page is available.
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Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
View official sources (7)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineSAMHSA
- Treatment Options for Substance Use DisordersSAMHSA
- TreatmentNational Institute on Drug Abuse
- Treatment and RecoveryNational Institute on Drug Abuse
- Preventing Opioid OverdoseCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
- FindTreatment.govSAMHSA
- FentanylCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
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Read guideFrequently Asked Questions
Can you get methadone treatment while pregnant?
Yes, methadone is one of the FDA-approved medications used by healthcare providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. SAMHSA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) confirm that medication treatment is the standard of care for pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder. However, you must get it through a licensed clinic under the supervision of a doctor, as stopping or changing the dose on your own can be dangerous. Talk to a clinician for guidance specific to your health needs.
What should I ask a qualified professional about my own situation?
You should ask your doctor or licensed clinician about the safest treatment options for your substance use disorder during pregnancy, how your health and your baby's development will be monitored, and what signs of complications to watch for. You can also ask about the risks of untreated substance use versus the risks of medication. The official sources recommend that you discuss any concerns about withdrawal, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and postpartum care with your provider. Always follow your clinician's advice on all medication and treatment decisions.
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