Shift in Pattern of Pregnant Teens Seeking Substance Abuse Treatment
A new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that there was a substantial increase in the number of pregnant teens admitted for treatment for marijuana and methamphetamine abuse between 1992 and 2007. However, the number of pregnant teens being treated for alcohol abuse declined over that time. In addition, more Hispanic pregnant teens are seeking treatment, while fewer black and non-Hispanic white pregnant teens are being admitted for substance abuse problems.
The report gathered data from the 1992 to 2007 Treatment Episode Data Set, a nationwide reporting system of substance abuse centers. Overall substance abuse treatment admissions for pregnant teens remained at about 4 percent from 1992 to 2007; in 1992, however, 44.1 percent of pregnant teen admissions were due to alcohol. Pregnant teens being admitted for marijuana abuse more than doubled between 1992 and 2007, jumping from 19.3 percent to 45.9 percent, and those being admitted for methamphetamine use soared from 4.3 to 18.8 percent.
The report also found significant differences in admission rates between ethnic groups. For example, fewer non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black pregnant teens were admitted (54.5 percent to 50.3 percent), but more Hispanic teens were admitted (15.7 percent to 21.4 percent).
Pamela S. Hyde, J.D., SAMHSA administrator, said that treatment is essential for young pregnant women as they need to address their substance abuse problems before giving birth—especially because drug use can seriously harm the child even later in life. She added that their findings will help researchers develop better prevention and treatment programs for young pregnant women.
Source: HealthDay, Patterns in Substance Abuse Admits for Pregnant Teens Shift, July 1, 2010