Interlocking theories and practice in treatment and recovery for women with opioid use disorders

ABSTRACT

The opioid epidemic has left pregnant and post-partum women in serious need of a specialized approach to ensure effective treatment interventions. It is challenging to provide services that effectively and holistically address maternal opioid misuse. Furthermore, the stigma or shame surrounding addiction during pregnancy often makes it difficult for women to seek care and for helping professionals to provide services without bias. The primary aim of this conceptual article is to provide a practice framework in treating pregnant and post-partum women addicted to opioids by using three interlocking theoretical approaches: intersectionality, attachment, and strengths-based perspectives.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction
• attachment
• disorder
• intersectionality
• maternal opioid use
• strengths-based
• substance use

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).