Addiction can be an extremely debilitating disease that can negatively affect different aspects of someone’s life. Even people who are in recovery may still need support and additional treatment to maintain their sobriety as time goes on. With that said, it is never too late to seek treatment, especially if you’re in the midst of a major life change like pregnancy. For a lot of people with addiction disorder, finding out that they’re pregnant can be the wake-up call that they need to seek rehabilitative care for the sake of their child.
Though it is a fairly new concept, many clinics nationwide are now beginning to provide services specifically for pregnant women. You do not have to be afraid of getting the help you need as long as you check into the right rehab center. It is simply a matter of finding the right institution in your area that fits your circumstances, whether that’s a Fort Myers drug rehab or a similar facility. Here are a few reasons how rehabilitative care can help you have a healthy pregnancy:
- You get a specialized care plan designed by various experts. Since so much of rehabilitative care has to be tailored to the individual’s needs, your treatment plan will consider your pregnancy. You can expect your treatment to be more holistic as it will prioritize both your overall well-being and the health of your child. Professionals from different specialities will create this plan as you need rehab services and prenatal care. In addition to medical detox and rehabilitative therapy, you will also get prenatal education, counselling, and parental training.
- Therapy for substance abuse is intensive and comprehensive. In rehab treatment, there are therapeutic approaches that work better on pregnant women with substance use disorders. These include contingency management, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). As a result, these methods may be used for your therapy as they are targeted to your needs. You may begin with motivational interviewing to slowly work through your doubts about starting rehab and adjusting your behaviour.
Then, CBT will help you gain an understanding of what leads you to drink or do drugs and how you can break those old habits and replace them with new ones. Lastly, contingency management uses a reward system to reinforce good behaviour, like abstaining from alcohol or drug use. Aside from these, you may also have assessments and therapy for any co-occurring disorders as part of your treatment.
- Your family and friends can be involved in your treatment. For many people in rehab, knowing that their loved ones will be participating can hasten their recovery. After all, your friends and family are a part of your support system and can continue helping you stay motivated after your stay at rehab and when your child is born. So in addition to individual and group therapy, you can also attend therapy sessions with your loved ones as well if they’re undergoing something similar.
- Many plans include 12-step programming. If you are familiar with AA’s 12 principles, you will be happy to discover that these programs will be a part of your treatment plan. It continues to be a leading recovery program used by rehab clinics across the country because it is one of the most effective, even for pregnant women. This is to ensure that you get the best level of support possible as you begin your life as a parent and as someone recovering from substance use disorder who strives to stay sober.Â
- You receive parental training. Welcoming new life into the world is a great reason to stay sober, especially when you want to be the best parent you can be for them. In addition to getting rehabilitation services, your treatment plan may include childcare and parenting education. This training will give you something to focus on during your time in rehab and help you feel more prepared and ready for your child’s birth.
- Special skills workshops are provided. Aside from therapy and parental training, you might also be given vocational training classes during rehab. Depending on the facility, you will be taught how to do specialized tasks that can help expand your professional opportunities as an employee or as a business owner. These skills will allow you to support your family even after rehab. Â
- You receive postpartum aftercare planning. Drug recovery is a lifelong commitment and will require constant work and mindfulness. After your time in rehabilitation, you also need aftercare planning to help you stay sober while being able to function in the real world as a new parent. Fortunately, the continuing care you receive upon completing your rehab treatment will focus on postpartum concerns and childcare. By sticking to your aftercare plan, you can ensure sustained recovery and sobriety.
Suppose you are seeking rehabilitation for substance abuse during your pregnancy. In that case, it is important to find a facility that will give you and your baby the best chance at living a fulfilling and sober life. By seeking comprehensive treatment in a supportive environment, you can begin your journey as a parent with newfound health and continued sobriety.
FAQs:
What is pregnancy rehabilitation, and how does it benefit expectant mothers?
Pregnancy rehabilitation is a specialized program designed to support the physical and mental well-being of pregnant women. It offers guidance on managing discomfort, maintaining healthy habits, and preparing the body for childbirth. Benefits include improved posture, reduced back pain, and increased strength and flexibility.
Can rehab during pregnancy help manage stress and anxiety?
Yes, rehab programs often include mental health support to help manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges during pregnancy. Techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and counselling sessions can relieve and promote emotional well-being for both the mother and the baby.
How does rehab improve physical health during pregnancy?
Rehab can improve physical health by offering tailored exercise routines that strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and enhance stamina. This helps in preventing common pregnancy-related issues like back pain, swelling, and fatigue, while also preparing the body for labor and delivery.
Is pregnancy rehab safe for both mother and baby?
Yes, rehab programs designed for pregnancy are created with the safety of both the mother and the baby in mind. The exercises and therapies are carefully chosen to accommodate the body’s changes during pregnancy, ensuring that the activities are gentle and effective.