Despite decades of progress, individuals from all walks of life, in urban, suburban, and rural communities, continue to use and abuse legal and illegal drugs. This report focuses on the drug treatment, medical care, and followup services needed by one special population -- pregnant, substance-using women.

Because this Treatment Improvement Protocol is particularly designed to assist drug treatment programs that receive Block Grant funding through their State substance abuse agencies, the emphasis here is on women served in the publicly funded drug treatment system. Such women are often poor and suffering from multiple socioeconomic problems. This emphasis should in no way obscure the fact that many affluent women also experience alcohol and drug problems. Those women who receive medical care through their private providers also need treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse. These guidelines are relevant to these women as well.