A New Hampshire hospital is launching a first-of-its-kind addiction treatment program aimed at one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the state’s ongoing drug crisis: pregnant women. While The Granite State features over 200+ substance use disorders programs for people of all backgrounds, expectant mothers often require special care.
Dartmouth Health has announced they will use $900,000 in federal funding to build an inpatient substance treatment program in the birthing pavilion at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) out in Lebanon. For families looking for addiction treatment in New Hampshire, this development signals a meaningful step forward.
DHMC Leads This Effort
An increasing number of babies born at DHMC have had exposure to substances in the womb, more so than those in any other New Hampshire hospital. That troubling distinction has pushed the hospital to act.
In 2022, nearly 13% births at DHMC were exposed to opioids, cannabis, and other substances while in the womb. DHMC ranks third among New Hampshire hospitals in total deliveries, yet leads the state in babies born with substance exposure.
Providers aren’t entirely certain why DHMC sees such high numbers, but the hospital’s large service area and its role as a regional referral center for complex cases likely play a role.
The New Program
Hospital staff will revamp two private suites into rooms specifically for safe withdrawal management and administering treatment medications. They’ll also train staff to treat substance use disorders.
The $900,000 in federal funds was advanced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen to launch what Dartmouth Health calls a first-of-its-kind dedicated inpatient program for pregnant patients with substance use disorders. The goal is to position DHMC as a center of excellence for perinatal addiction care across northern New England.
Highly toxic substances like xylazine and medetomidine have made withdrawal management increasingly unpredictable and medically hard to manage. These heavy drugs often make standard outpatient care insufficient for many patients, especially during pregnancy.
Substance Use Disorder During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, excessive drug use carries serious risks for both mother and baby. Signs of addiction in pregnant patients may include continued drug use despite known health risks, inability to stop using, withdrawal symptoms when not using, and hiding or minimizing substance use from healthcare providers.
Opioids like fentanyl are among the most dangerous substances involved. Fentanyl addiction signs include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slowed breathing, and intense cravings. When a baby is born exposed to opioids, they may experience neonatal abstinence syndrome, a painful withdrawal process requiring careful medical management.
A Growing Model for Compassionate Care
While Dartmouth’s approach is unique in New Hampshire, the concept is gaining momentum. The hospital models its approach from Swedish Medical Center’s 30-year-old inpatient program in Seattle for pregnant patients with substance use disorders.
DHMC has also connected with addiction medicine specialists across the nation who focus on women’s addiction to stay current as the drug supply continues to change.
Finding Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire
If you or a loved one is pregnant and uses substances, getting help early is critical. Specialized drug rehabs in New Hampshire and treatment programs like the one coming to DHMC are designed to provide medically supervised care for exactly this situation.
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