Medication-Assisted Treatment for Pregnant Women: An Interdisciplinary Group Based Model

ABSTRACT

The treatment needs of pregnant women with opioid use disorders are increasing drastically. Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine is emerging as relatively a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women. New comprehensive models of treatment need to be developed to engage this high-risk, highly stigmatized population. The group modality is ideal for increasing access to treatment and addressing the specialized clinical needs experienced by pregnant women with substance use disorders while promoting interpersonal connection. A group-based model of treatment delivery for pregnant women with substance use disorders is presented here with preliminary outcomes data.

KEYWORDS:

• Group therapy
• medication assisted treatment (MAT)
• opioid use disorder
• pregnant women
• substance abuse