Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality – 213
Summarizes statistics from the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) on pregnant teen substance abuse treatment admissions. Discusses the public health risks associated with teenage pregnancy, particularly those involving drinking and drug use among this population. Describes the effects of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol in infants and young children. Notes other risk factors associated with teenage mothers, and describes the importance of treatment in breaking the cycle of substance abuse in this population. Reports that 4% of all teenage female substance abuse treatment admissions between 2007 and 2010 were pregnant. Pregnant teens were less likely to have finished high school, and a large percentage had no primary source of income. Nearly 73% of pregnant teens in treatment reported marijuana abuse. Over 45% reported alcohol abuse and nearly 17% reported methamphetamine abuse. Over 19% reported daily substance use. The most common source of treatment referral for pregnant teens was the criminal justice system, followed by community agencies and self-referral. Notes that pregnant teens entering substance abuse treatment require specialized services, such as prenatal care, birth control counseling, and parenting classes. Pregnant teens are also likely to face economic problems, which can impact their stability and recovery. Describes the importance of prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for teenage marijuana and alcohol use.
