Treatment experience with pregnant problem drinkers
H. L. Rosett, L. Weiner and K. C. Edelin
Therapy for heavy drinking was integrated with routine prenatal care at
Boston City Hospital's women's clinic. Of 49 pregnant problem drinkers who
participated in at least three counseling sessions, 33 (67%) reduced
alcohol consumption before the third trimester. Therapeutic success was
achieved with some of the heaviest drinkers. The desire to have a healthy
baby was a powerful motivating force. Supportive counseling focused on
reduction of alcohol consumption and potential benefits to the fetus.
Guilt-provoking criticism was avoided. Referrals were made when women did
not respond within two weeks. Planning of treatment strategies was
facilitated by classification into social, symptom, and alcohol-dependence
phases. Primary providers who are knowledgeable, interested, and accepting
can successfully treat pregnant patients at risk from alcohol. Examinations
of two cohorts of newborns have previously demonstrated benefits to
offspring when heavy drinking ceased before the third trimester.
