Severity of Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Problems Among Perinatal Drug-Dependent Women

Abstract

The present study assessed 108 women enrolled in a residential treatment program for perinatal substance abusers in order to examine possible subtypes based on current alcohol, other drug and psychiatric problem severity. Most participants were African-American (81%), unmarried (91%), unemployed (97%), high school graduates (63%) with a mean age of 30 years. The primary substances of abuse were cocaine/crack (87%) and opiates (9%). The majority (79%) of subjects were also nicotine dependent. Drug severity did not distinguish between these groups; however, when cluster analysis was applied to ASI alcohol and psychiatric composite scores, three clusters emerged: (1) high alcohol, drug, and psychiatric problem severity (57%); (2) high drug and psychiatric problem severity (20%); and (3) high drug severity only (23%). Neither current nor childhood demographic characteristics differed among the three groups. However, significant differences were found among selected childhood risk factors, including perceived quality of relationships with family, age of onset of substance use, childhood abuse history, and family history of mental illness. These results emphasize the need for careful assessment and treatment planning that addresses the unique needs of these women.