Perinatal Addictions Prevention Program
Perinatal Addictions Prevention Program (PAPP) services include consumer (link to brochures-25 reasons, myth flyer and 25 Reasons) and professional education.
A key goal is statewide implementation of a universal screening tool to identify and appropriately refer pregnant women at risk for substance abuse. The aim is to have the tool used in every public and private prenatal care setting.
The Cooperative is a partner in this initiative of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to address the increase in alcohol and drug use among pregnant women. An estimated 5–11% of pregnant women use alcohol or drugs. The health complications (See our Risk Chart) of such use include fetal alcohol syndrome, prematurity, and placental abruption.
Pregnancy offers an important opportunity for treatment. Experience shows that treatment for substance abuse during pregnancy is significantly more effective than at other times in a woman’s life. Quick, brief questionnaires are effective in prenatal care for assessing alcohol and drug use. Pregnant women describe their health care providers as the best source of information and will generally follow the provider’s advice.
The goal of screening is early identification which results in early intervention. Intervention and treatment of substance using women could mean saving two lives not just one.
For more information about these services visit the consumer section or email PAPP@snjpc.org
Screening Tool
PAPP uses the 4 P's Plus Screening Tool developed by Dr. Ira J. Chasnoff, founder of the National Training Institute, a training division of the Children’s Research Triangle. This instrument was developed specifically for use in the prenatal care setting. The 4 P’s Plus is a six question screen designed to quickly identify obstetrical patients in need of in-depth assessment or follow up monitoring.
Four follow-up questions help providers get a better understanding of the extent to which a patient may be using and to aid in the referral process. The complete tool is easily integrated into the initial prenatal visit and used for follow-up screening throughout the pregnancy.
SNJPC staff provide personalized consulting for South Jersey providers on integrating the 4 P’s Screening Tool as part of routine prenatal care.