A U.S. government report states that nearly half of pregnant teens at substance-abuse treatment consumed alcohol and drugs a month prior to entering the treatment and around 20 percent had intoxicants on a daily basis.
The study conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHSA) found that the rate of non-pregnant girls, aged between 12 and 19, entering the treatment was around 71 percent.
Around 73 percent of pregnant teens and 70 percent of other girls mostly consumed marijuana. But pregnant teens were twice more likely to take methamphetamines and amphetamines than other female teens. Around 17 percent of pregnant teens had methamphetamines and amphetamines and only 8 percent of non-pregnant girls had those drugs.
The report stated that pregnant teens comprise for about 4 percent of the 57,000 teenage girls admitted to substance-abuse treatment programs every year. These girls also face problems such as income and education in their life because of pregnancy.
It also found that 15 percent of pregnant teens were more likely to rely on public assistance for their basic source of income compared to 5 percent of other teens. Also 74 percent of non-pregnant teenage girls who did not work were student. While only 44 percent of pregnant teens who were not in the work force were students.
"Pregnant teens entering treatment face difficult challenges, but the good news is that treatment is a very positive step in helping them regain their lives and generate new hope for themselves and their children," SAMHSA administrator Pamela Hyde said in an news release.
She suggested that treatment programs and communities should work together to help pregnant women of all ages. Referrals to prenatal care and parenting courses will help them.
"Through this effort we can help ensure that these future mothers and their children live healthier, happier and more productive lives," Hyde said.
