# Factors associated with reduced substance use and treatment completion among justice-involved pregnant women

## TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing reduced substance use and treatment completion among pregnant women involved in the justice system.

## Contribution

The study identifies substance-specific associations and the role of self-help groups in treatment outcomes for justice-involved pregnant women.

## Key findings

- Marijuana use was linked to lower odds of reduced substance use compared to alcohol.
- Self-help group attendance was associated with better treatment outcomes.
- Opioid and stimulant use were each linked to lower odds of treatment completion.

## Abstract

Pregnant women with criminal justice-system involvement (CJI) and substance use disorders (SUD) face considerable barriers that impact substance use treatment outcomes. However, limited research has investigated such factors among this population. To address this gap, we investigated associations of sociodemographic and treatment-related factors with reduced substance use and treatment completion among CJI pregnant women who utilized outpatient treatment.

Data came from the 2021–2022 Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D). The sample included 1,903 CJI pregnant women discharged from outpatient treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure associations of sociodemographic and treatment-related predictors with reduced substance use and treatment completion.

Compared to alcohol use, marijuana use was associated with lower odds of reduced use, whereas opioid and stimulant use were each associated with lower odds of treatment completion. Self-help group attendance was associated with higher odds of both outcomes.

Findings suggest that substance type may be an important consideration for treatment planning. Examining substance-specific factors that facilitate positive treatment outcomes is a practical next step for future studies. Self-help groups were a key facilitator of positive outcomes, suggesting that the integration of peer recovery support models into formal substance use treatment services warrants consideration.