HOW DOES PREGNANCY INTERVENTION IMPACT SUBSTANCE USE ABSTINENCE?
In this first study to prospectively examine pregnancy-related abstinence and postpartum relapse into substance use, we found pregnancy-related abstinence rates were high among those who used alcohol, marijuana and cocaine but not smokers. Postpartum relapse was common to all substances, with cocaine using women being less likely to relapse after attaining abstinence compared to women using cigarettes, alcohol or marijuana.
Interventions identifying the motivational factors that support positive behavior change and capitalize on the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that might be contributing to pregnancy-related discontinuation are necessary.