to keep pregnant women off drugs
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has funded a $2.5 million grant to researchers at the School of Medicine to integrate cognitive behavioral treatment into routine obstetrical care for pregnant women with drug problems.
"Our goal is to reduce or eliminate substance abuse by patients we are treating, and, along with that, reduce HIV risk behaviors," says Heather Howell, project coordinator and social worker in the Department of Psychiatry. "Our belief is if you can keep a mother drug-free during pregnancy, she will have a healthier baby."
The researchers will first refine a model of motivationally-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy and then train existing clinic obstetrical staff to work with patients using the therapy. There will be two clinic sites, one in New Haven and one in Bridgeport. The researchers hope to provide services to 110 women in each city.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is brief and is the most common form of out-patient therapy. Patients with drug problems will be taught skills, such as decision making and communication, to help them remain drug free day to day.
"These women generally are highly motivated to receive prenatal care and to be a good moms," Howell says. "We are trying to catch them at an opportune time for change and when they do not feel discouraged about making a change."
The principal investigator is Dr. Kimberly Yonkers, associate professor of psychiatry, in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Rounsaville, and Kathleen Carroll, professors of psychiatry, and Jeannette Ickovics, associate professor of epidemiology and public health.
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