Clinicians can change their approaches to treating addicted pregnant women. (adapted from the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 12:3-12, 1995)

An innovative program that teaches certified nurse-midwives how to work with pregnant addicts seems to enhance the likelihood that such women will receive prenatal care and substance abuse treatment, according to an article in a recent issue of the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.

According to investigators Sara J. Corse, Ph.D., and colleagues, who are based at the University of Pennsylvania, changing the attitudes of treatment providers can make the health care system seem less intimidating to chemically dependent patients. In particular, the authors say, women addicts may tend to deny their substance abuse and avoid substance abuse treatment because they are afraid they may lose …