Pregnancy comes with overarching narratives about joy, anticipation, and excitement. More often, women experience fear, restless thoughts, and physical discomfort. When those pressures intersect with addiction, the experience can feel isolating and frightening.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to continue taking medications like Adderall or Vyvanse while pregnant, or if you have a relationship with alcohol or other substances, you are not alone. At New Directions for Women, we believe that every mother deserves care, compassion, and a path toward recovery that protects both her health and her baby’s future.
Understanding the Risks of Substance Use During Pregnancy
Substance use during pregnancy can pose serious risks to both the mother and the developing baby. Even prescribed medications, when misused or taken without medical supervision, can have harmful effects.
- Stimulant medications like Adderall or Vyvanse may reduce blood flow to the fetus and increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, or developmental challenges.
- Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause long-term effects, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
- Opioids and sedatives may result in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms after birth.
It’s important not to stop taking prescribed medications suddenly, as this can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Always consult your healthcare provider or reach out to a treatment center that specializes in caring for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
Some Women Struggle with Addiction During Pregnancy
Addiction is a physical dependence to a substance that creates biological cravings that persist even when pregnant. The physical dependence drives continued use through cravings, it is the reason why women continue to use even while pregnant. The continued use is not a reflection on how much the mother cares or does not care about the fetus. The continued use is a reflection of physical dependence, community support, and adequate resources. The fear of coming forward is perpetuated by judgement from others or potential loss of custody. When resources are limited, are too the number of actions a woman can take to get sober.
At New Directions for Women, we understand that many pregnant women turn to substances not out of neglect, but as a way to manage physical cravings and discomfort. Our goal is to replace that cycle of fear with one of support, safety, and empowerment.
Safe Addiction Treatment Options for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant and using substances, recovery is possible — and it’s never too late to ask for help. At New Directions for Women, our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of women at every stage of pregnancy and motherhood.
Our treatment approach is:
- Medically supervised: ensuring detox and medication adjustments are handled safely.
- Gender-Responsive: providing a supportive environment surrounded by other women who understand your experience.
- Holistic and trauma-informed: focusing on physical health, emotional healing, and long-term stability.
Our programs include:
- Medically supervised detox for pregnant women
- Residential treatment for pregnant women
- Family therapy and parenting support
- Aftercare programs designed for long-term success
Recovery is not about punishment — it’s about protection, healing, and the chance to give both you and your baby a healthier future.
Real Stories of Hope
Every year, women enter treatment scared and uncertain — and leave stronger than ever. With prenatal support, addiction recovery, and family therapy, countless mothers have gone on to deliver healthy babies and rebuild their lives in sobriety.
One graduate shared, “I came in thinking I had ruined my life and my baby’s life. The staff at New Directions for Women helped me realize it wasn’t too late — I could still give my child a future filled with love and stability.”
Taking the First Step Toward Help
If you or someone you love is pregnant and struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Recovery during pregnancy is possible with the right care, medical guidance, and emotional support.
At New Directions for Women, our team specializes in helping expectant mothers find safety, health, and hope through women-centered treatment programs.
Talk to Our Specialists About Safe Pregnancy Recovery
Call New Directions for Women at (800) 939-6636 to speak confidentially with a caring professional today. Your health and your baby’s health matter — and help is just one call away.
Clinically Reviewed By: Heather Black-Coyne, LMFT, CADC II, Executive Director
Heather most recently served as the Clinical Director of a gender-specific treatment center in Huntington Beach. She is trained in both Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which serve the needs of our clients, many of whom have experienced both complex trauma and substance use disorder.
