Women who are trying to conceive while struggling with substance abuse issues have a unique set of needs. If they’re already pregnant, they’ll need even more specialized care. Drugs and alcohol directly affect fetal development, so it’s important to seek help as soon as you are able.
What are the risks of substance abuse on fertility and pregnancy?
For women who are trying to conceive, drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on their menstrual cycle, egg quality, ovarian weight, and hormonal concentration. All of these effects can make it harder for women to conceive. During pregnancy, a pregnant person and their developing baby share a bloodstream. This means that substances are shared between the pregnant person and the developing baby. A developing baby doesn’t have enough enzymes yet to constantly detoxify their blood. Repeated exposure can lead to an elevated risk for various forms of stunted development, stillbirth, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).
Getting help for substance abuse may seem daunting, but the effects of substance abuse make seeking support incredibly important.
Your benefits
Apache employees and their partners and dependents have access to a few different services when it comes to treating substance abuse.
If you’re enrolled in an Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) medical plan, you’ll receive coverage for different substance abuse-related services and therapies. You can reach a BCBSTX Benefit Value Advisor by calling 800-521-2227.
Apache also offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Lyra Health to all employees. If you think you might have a substance problem, Lyra Health can help you find the support you need. All Apache employees (and their spouses and dependents up to age 26) are eligible for 16 sessions a year—even those not enrolled in an Apache medical plan. Ready to get started today? Call 1-844-391-6825 to get in touch with Lyra Health, or select the button to visit the website.
