Thinking of Having Children? Be Aware of Alcohol Risks, Cautions Chapters Capistrano
With no known "safe" level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, Chapters Capistrano encourages prospective parents to know the risks.
Orange County, CA, February 17, 2016 (Newswire.com) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revamped their recommendations regarding alcohol consumption advising women who aren’t on birth control not to drink. The warning comes in an effort to protect fetuses from the effects of alcohol during early pregnancy when women may not yet realize they’re pregnant. The report was met with both support and outrage from the public. Chapters Capistrano, a California rehab center, has released a statement to the press regarding the effects of alcohol on pregnancy and the importance of seeking treatment for addiction.
“No one can say for sure whether a child will be affected by alcohol, or how much alcohol is problematic,” says Susie Shea, co-owner of the Chapters Capistrano. “What’s important is that women are educated about these potential risks and given the necessary information and resources to make healthy choices. If they are actively trying to get pregnant, or thinking about it, it may be time to think twice about their drinking and seek treatment for addiction so they can be as healthy as possible.”
CNN shared data from the CDC revealing that “every month, more than 3.3 million women in the United States risk having an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.” Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director at the CDC, added, “About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so, when they might be still drinking. Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman knows she is pregnant.”
Alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) which can range from developmental delays to behavioral and intellectual disabilities. Children may experience hyperactivity, concentration problems, and poor language or math skills. That’s not to say that these problems are always the result of FASDs because there can be other causes as
well. Some children may have little to no impairments from drinking during pregnancy while others can have profound challenges; every child is different and there is no way of knowing how each one will be affected.
“Women can be proactive in protecting their health and the health of their unborn baby, however,” says Shea. “Alcoholism is a treatable condition. By engaging in an alcohol rehab program, women can rid their bodies of these toxins, start incorporating a healthy diet and exercise so their body gets stronger, reduce stress, and create healthier, more positive routines and thought patterns. Having children is a major life change and it can be stressful, but by entering into recovery, women can start themselves out on the right foot.”
Shea encourages women who are thinking about becoming pregnant to consider the risks that alcohol can pose to them as well as their baby, and look into receiving treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab facility like Chapters Capistrano so they can feel more confident and prepared for the future.
Chapters Capistrano is a luxury drug and alcohol treatment center located in the city of San Clemente in Orange County, California, with two beautiful ocean-view homes. Specializing in all types of substance abuse, Chapters offers flexible treatment programs that are designed to offer greater confidence in addiction recovery. With a thorough approach to detox, counseling and mental health, this center has delivered many success stories. In addition to offering alternative approaches to conventional recovery, Chapters is also recognized for providing guest comfort with exceptional accommodations, private rooms and cell and laptop allowance. Those searching to begin a new “Chapter” in addiction recovery are encouraged to contact the facility today.