Drug Addiction and Pregnancy : The case of heroin + Ethics in Addiction Treatment

If you would also like to attend the Complimentary Case Discussion, click here to complete your registration: 

This Case Discussion on Depression in Infertility and Pregnancy is presented by Dr PJ Geyser – Fertility specialist, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician from Rustenburg

More about the CPD Seminar, presented by Dr Akindipe:

Substance use disorders affect women across all racial and socioeconomic groups. Therefore, screening for drug use should be part of comprehensive obstetric care at the first antenatal clinic visit. Females who use heroin during pregnancy are a unique group given the maternal, obstetric, and neonatal complications associated with opioid use disorder. Detoxification and rehabilitation of these women have poor outcomes. Methadone maintenance therapy remains the treatment of choice. The management of this high-risk pregnancy requires multidisciplinary collaboration involving teams from Obstetrics, Neonatology, Addictions, internal medicine, Social Services and Mental health.

The social milieu of individuals with addictive disorders is diverse and different from that of the regular medical patient. Many of these individuals are on the fringes of the society. For those who are able to access care, the treatment of their addictive disorders is associated with controversies, contradictions, and dilemmas. Ethical addiction practice requires an understanding of ethical principles and identifying pitfalls that cause ethical dilemmas. The acknowledgment of the differences between ethics and two similar constructs, law, and morality may help protect the client and clinician.

Health Professionals will develop a deeper understanding of the consequences of heroin use in pregnancy and the management of these women will facilitate appropriate referral to treating facilities, guide the development of treatment programs and provide a basis for prevention strategies.