Pregnancy is a time of immense change and anticipation—a journey that brings excitement and hope for the future. But for some women, this experience can be clouded by the challenges of addiction, particularly alcohol use. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy poses severe risks to both the mother and her developing baby, and understanding these dangers is crucial for the health of both.
At Hanley Center’s Casa Flores, we specialize in supporting pregnant women who are facing substance use disorders, including alcohol addiction. Our program offers compassionate, comprehensive care to help break the cycle of addiction, heal from trauma, and prepare for a healthy future.
In this article, we’ll explore the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy and highlight the hope and healing available through recovery.
Understanding the Risks: Why Alcohol and Pregnancy Don’t Mix
No amount of alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s bloodstream. This means that the unborn child is exposed to alcohol at the same level as the mother but with far more serious consequences due to their developing body and organs.
Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), a range of conditions that include physical, mental, and behavioral issues. Some of the most common effects of FASDs include:
- Low birth weight
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity or difficulty with attention
- Heart, kidney, or bone problems
- Facial abnormalities
These effects are permanent, and while some interventions can help manage symptoms, the damage caused by alcohol exposure in the womb is irreversible.
For mothers, alcohol use during pregnancy also increases the risk of complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth. The impact of alcohol on both mother and baby is profound, which is why early intervention and support are necessary.
The Complexity of Addiction: Understanding Why Women Drink During Pregnancy
While the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy are well-known, some women still struggle to stop drinking during this time. Addiction is a complex and powerful disease that doesn’t simply vanish with the knowledge of risks. Contributing factors that exacerbate the disease of addiction and may cause women to continue drinking during pregnancy include:
- Unresolved trauma: Many women with substance use disorders have a history of trauma that drives their alcohol use.
- Mental health issues: Conditions like anxiety and depression can fuel alcohol use as a form of self-medication.
- Social and environmental pressures: Stressful life circumstances, including lack of support or unstable living conditions, can make it difficult to stop drinking.
- Fear of withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous for pregnant women, and many may continue drinking out of fear of the symptoms they might experience if they stop suddenly.
At Casa Flores, we understand the many layers that contribute to addiction. Our program is designed to meet women where they are, offering compassionate care that addresses not just their substance use disorder but also the underlying issues that may be driving it.
The Road to Recovery: Hope for Pregnant Women Struggling with Alcohol Addiction
For pregnant women facing alcohol addiction, the road to recovery can feel daunting—but there is hope. At Hanley Center’s Casa Flores, we provide a safe, supportive environment where women can begin their journey toward healing.
Our program offers:
- Medical and Psychological Care: Pregnant women receive personalized care from a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, therapists, and addiction specialists. We ensure that both mother and baby receive the medical attention they need, including prenatal care that supports a healthy pregnancy.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Many women with substance use disorders have experienced significant trauma in their lives. Our trauma-informed approach helps women process past pain in a safe and supportive setting.
- Parenting Support: Preparing for motherhood while recovering from addiction can be overwhelming. We provide comprehensive parenting support to help women develop the skills and confidence they need to care for their babies.
- Postpartum Care: Recovery doesn’t stop after the baby is born. At Casa Flores, moms can continue to live with their newborns in our mother-baby suites, where they receive ongoing treatment and parenting guidance to help prevent foster care placement and keep families together.
Breaking the Cycle: Healing for Generations to Come
One of the most powerful aspects of Casa Flores is its focus on breaking the generational cycle of addiction. By offering women the tools and support they need to heal, we are not only helping them, but also giving their babies a brighter future. Children born to mothers in recovery are more likely to thrive—emotionally, physically, and mentally—because their moms are equipped with the tools to provide a stable and loving environment.
The bond between mother and baby is central to recovery. At Casa Flores, we believe in nurturing that connection by providing a space where women can heal while developing a strong attachment to their newborns. This helps to break the cycle of trauma and addiction, ensuring a healthier future for both mom and baby.
Treatment Works: You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use during pregnancy, it’s important to know that help is available. At Casa Flores, we see firsthand that treatment works. Our holistic, evidence-based approach is designed to support women every step of the way, from the first stages of withdrawal to long-term recovery. With the right support, both you and your baby can have the chance at a healthy, hopeful future.
A Brighter Future Begins with Recovery
Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix, but that doesn’t mean there’s no hope. If you’re struggling with addiction, Hanley Center’s Casa Flores is here to provide the care, support, and healing you need. Reach out today to learn more about our program and how we can help you break free from addiction—for yourself, your baby, and your future.
Hanley Center has been helping people all over the country achieve wellness for more than 40 years. In addition to providing age- and gender-specific treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, Hanley offers a Patriots Program for first responders and veterans, a program specifically for pregnant women, and a boutique residential mental health program for adults. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
