The issue
Hundreds of thousands of pregnant women and mothers struggle with prescription drug abuse.
This is an overwhelming concern that impacts women, their families, and the community.
In 2019, there were 721,317 women in the U.S. that reported abusing prescription drugs (National Survey on Drug Use and Health).
This problem has been exacerbated by the pandemic as women reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.
The early months of the pandemic brought an 18% increase nationwide in overdoses compared with those same months in 2019. The trend has continued throughout 2020, according to the American Medical Association.
Why Are Mothers Impacted by Prescription Drugs?
In most surveys, a greater misuse of prescription drugs is reported among women than among men (UNODC, 2015).
This could be because women develop a prescription drug dependence more rapidly than men (American Society of Addiction Medicine). Women are at a higher risk of becoming addicted even when using smaller amounts of a prescription drug.
Women are also less likely than men to be asked about their drug abuse by professionals. They are also more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed pain relievers, and receive higher doses (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2016).
Prescription Drug Abuse & Mental Health
Mental health issues are a vital factor since women with mental health issues are more likely to abuse drugs and less likely to seek help.
Information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that among the 3.1 million women aged 26-49 with serious mental illness, 29.7% do not receive treatment.
Prescription Drug Abuse by State
This figure shows the percentage of Pain Reliever Misuse in 2019 among Individuals Aged 12 or Older, by State.
​
States in the highest group (3.95 to 4.56 percent) were Alabama, Alaska, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington.
This shows that 3.95 to 4.56% of the population of Alabama aged 12 and older reported pain reliever misuse.
​
​
​
​
​
there is hope
Drug rehab centers have helped thousands of people in the U.S. recover from prescription drug abuse. Between 85 percent and 95 percent of all people who successfully complete drug rehab report still being abstinent from all drugs nine months after discharge.
​
Our mission at Your Are A GIFT is to help mothers overcome prescription drug addiction by providing the education and assistance they need to restore wholeness.