Influence of pregnancy and child-rearing on amphetamine-addicted women. Five-year follow-up after delivery.

A group of 69 amphetamine-addicted women who all abused during part of or the whole pregnancy have been followed since the birth of the index child born in 1976 or 1977. Seventeen of the mothers gave up drug abuse in early pregnancy. Ten of these succeeded to stay off drugs and excessive alcohol, while six relapsed into drug abuse. In addition, three women have been off drugs since delivery and 12 for at least 1-3 years. Twelve of the 25 mothers who were drug-free at the end of the period had retained the custody of their children, while 11 mothers who were drug-free at the end of the period had their children placed in foster homes. In contrast to this, 16 drug-using mothers were still caring for their children. A criminal record and a story of psychiatric in-patient care was common, especially among the mothers who had lost custody of their children. On the other hand, mothers who had retained custody more often lived with a drug-free man and had regular employment.