Treatment retention and birth outcomes of crack users enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program for pregnant women.

This study examined characteristics of pregnant crack users that were associated with their retention in a residential treatment program and the outcomes of their pregnancies. The participant characteristics were assessed when the women were admitted to the program, and were related to their demographic status, physical health, psychological functioning, substance use, and pregnancy. In general, the findings point to the importance of early interventions with this population. Implications and limitations of this study, as well as suggestions for future research, are discussed.