A National Survey Investigating Methadone Treatment for Pregnant Opioid Dependent Women in England and Wales.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Perez-Montejano, Raul; Finch, Emily; Wolff, Kim
- Source
- International Journal of Mental Health & Addiction. Dec2013, Vol. 11 Issue 6, p693-702. 10p.
- Subject
- *HEALTH surveys
*METHADONE hydrochloride
*DRUG abuse treatment
*OPIOID abuse
*PREGNANT women -- Abuse of
- Language
- ISSN
- 1557-1874
We investigated the management and treatment of pregnant opioid users by Drug Treatment Services in England and Wales. A postal survey was conducted among 223 Community Drug Treatment Services (CDTS) across England and Wales. Sixty-six percent CDTS responded ( n = 154/233) to the survey. Over half CDTS (55.3 %) provided a maintenance methadone dose lower than that recommended for non-pregnant drug users. There were significant variations on how professionals approached the management of pregnant opioid users. CDTS with an addiction specialist were significantly more likely ( p < 0.01) to advocate high doses of methadone whereas those with a midwife, obstetrician or social worker involved were more likely ( p < 0.05) to suggest low dose methadone and/or detoxification. Service provision for pregnant opioid users is reliable and comprehensive but there is still variability in some aspects of the treatment received and the way in which methadone is prescribed is not always optimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]