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Why the Cost of Stigma Can Be Higher for Pregnant Women and Mothers With Addiction
Stigma against pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorder appears in many forms: It can be the use of inaccurate and stigmatizing language and terminology by health care providers or people in the community, as well as health care delivery affected by misinformation about substance use. These interactions can lead to poor self-image and to feelings of shame, fear, depression, and anxiety. Women may avoid care settings due to fear of judgment and repercussions, such as involvement with the child welfare system or incarceration. Thus, stigma can act as a barrier to:
- Seeking treatment for substance use disorder
- Accessing or continuing prenatal care
- Breastfeeding
Words Matter: Language Showing Compassion and Care for Women, Infants, Families, and Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorder
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Reviewed by 40+ women in addiction treatment, this Words Matter resource includes powerful excerpts from their real-world experiences facing stigma. It also offers research-based tips and recommended language for discussing addiction with pregnant women and mothers. |
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Now Offering CME/CE Credit, this resource also highlights the clinician’s role in helping destigmatize addiction to reduce negative bias toward pregnant women and mothers with substance use disorder. The activity is available online and at no cost.
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