Pregnant women warned of alcohol consumption
Drinking while pregnant? Women encouraged to make 'WISE' decisions

About 1 in 12 women report using alcohol while pregnant. This is a devastating statistic considering that one drink one glass of wine, one beer, one mixed cocktail may cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a permanent lifelong condition. Since April is Alcohol Awareness Month we want to

remind women not to drink or use drugs while they are pregnant. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. One drink even before a woman knows she is pregnant can put her baby at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This disease spans over every racial and socio-economic group. The good news is that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is 100% preventable.

Pregnant women with alcohol, tobacco, or other drug problems should know that the WISE program is here for them. Women's Intervention Services and Education, or WISE is a Community Drug and Alcohol Council (CDAC) program that offers free, confidential assistance to pregnant women, as well as mothers

with children under 6 years old. WISE wants pregnant women to know that they are a priority there is no wait list or payment needed for any of their services. Women can receive assistance through the emotional and physical turmoil of substance abuse and violence. WISE provides case management and relapse prevention support. Even if a woman has been drinking throughout her pregnancy it's never too late. One call to WISE will allow women to

receive referrals to free treatment and prenatal care. WISE wants to make sure that babies are born drug free and their families remain intact, productive, and healthy.

WISE has many success stories of brave women who have turned their life around because of this program. Within a year of becoming a client over half the women are employed or are attending school. Many clients have regained custody of their children after working through

their substance abuse problems. This program also allows opportunities for self sufficiency by assisting women in finding affordable drug-free housing and offering, education, and career opportunities. For many women WISE is their only chance at leading a drug free and productive life. Many graduates agree that joining the program was the most "WISE" decision they ever made.

For more information on either of these programs call the CDAC at 433-9800.