Media Release

CONTACT: Sherry Knapp, Ph.D., R.I. Department of Health, 401-222-4680
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: May 4, 1998

Department of Health Highlights Women and Substance Abuse:
Treatment Programs Improve Results for Pregnant and Parenting Women

The Rhode Island Department of Health’s new report, titled "New Substance Abuse Treatment Options for Pregnant and Parenting Women," describes some promising results for specialized treatment programs in Rhode Island.

Using data from recent national surveys, the report estimates that illicit drug users in Rhode Island includes 400 pregnant women and 1,500 women with young children. An additional 200 pregnant women and 2,200 women with young children abused alcohol in 1996. The findings, based on self-reported drug use, may be an underestimate. An earlier Rhode Island study of anonymous urine samples found that 7.5 per cent of women had evidence of illicit drug use within the 48 hours prior to hospital admission for delivery. Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Health Director, observed, "This is continuing evidence that substance abuse is a serious problem among women in our state. We need to be certain that they have access to effective treatment, to protect both them and their children."

Treatment programs in Rhode Island improve outcomes for substance-abusing women, according to Dr. Nolan. During 1996, over 4000 Rhode Island women, almost all of whom had one or more children, received treatment through programs administered by the Department’s Division of Substance Abuse.

Dr. Knapp, Associate Director for Substance Abuse, pointed to two specialized programs demonstrating that women in treatment produce demonstrably healthier babies. Sstarbirth, operated by Sstar of RI, provides residential treatment for pregnant and parenting mothers and their young children. Project LINK is an outpatient program of Women & Infants Hospital. Successful participation in these programs results in larger babies that are less likely to be premature, and have shorter hospital stays and freedom from the acute effects of illicit drugs and alcohol.

"Substance abuse has severe and lasting health and social consequences for pregnant and parenting women and their children," said Dr. Nolan. "Rhode Island needs to support substance abuse treatment programs which show positive outcomes."

For additional information, contact Dr. Sherry Knapp, Associate Director, Division of Substance Abuse, Rhode Island Department of Health, at 401 222-4680.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us