Although many have legitimate injuries, such as back pain, that require drugs, she believes doctors don't look closely enough when prescribing painkillers and other drugs to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. "I just don't think they're looking at the whole person — or the whole family," Krier said. Lee Memorial's Liu agreed mothers and the medical community needs to be educated, but said women can't go off drugs cold once they're pregnant. "If the woman goes through a withdrawal, that could destroy the fetus," he said. Dr. Mimi Graham, director of Florida State University's Center for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy, said the whole environment must be considered. Most of the mothers are smoking, not taking prenatal vitamins or taking babies to appointments, she said, adding that many live on the street and have mental health or physical issues. “They’re less likely to soothe their babies — and babies that cry are more likely to be abused," Graham said. "It's a very tragic cycle. We're taking the babies away from their moms when they're born so they don't bond. We're not treating the underlying trauma. ... Just taking away the baby does not resolve the issue." It takes an average mother seven tries to get straight, she said, calling relapse part of recovery. "They aren't bad moms," Graham said. "They have issues, traumatic issues that they're dealing with. We need to deal with the trauma and loss issues so they don't repeat their mistakes."
FADAA Webinar SAVE THE DATE The Florida Department of Children and Families in conjunction with the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) would like to invite you to a FREE webinar. CEU's are available at no cost. WHAT:
National and State Level Health Care Reforms: Implications for Behavioral Health
PRESENTER:
Dr. Allyson Hall, University of Florida
DATE:
Thursday, April 19, 2012 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., EST
CEU's: 2.0 Continuing Education Units/Contact Hours are provided for this Florida Certification Board Provider #A-001, Exp. Date 12/31/2013 Florida Board of Social Work, Marriage and 7