This April, FASD United recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month as a great opportunity to learn more about the health impacts of alcohol, especially prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). As an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting the FASD community, we are committed to educating the public about the effects of PAE and how we can improve health outcomes.  

Here are the facts: No amount or type of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.  Recent studies show that nearly 1 in 7 pregnant people report drinking alcohol, and we can all do our part to reduce PAE.  Partners can offer support by avoiding alcohol themselves and supporting healthy alternatives.  Family and friends can support their pregnant loved one’s choice to avoid alcohol and offer encouragement and empathy.  As a community, we can work together to reduce PAE by raising awareness, connecting pregnant people to resources, and encouraging supportive relationships. 

Let’s address the stigma and correct the misinformation.  It’s a myth that “only alcoholics can have a child with FASD.” While binge drinking is associated with the greatest risk, there is no safe alcohol level, and PAE can have effects even at relatively low or moderate amounts, well below the typical cutoff for an alcohol use disorder. Many pregnancies are unplanned and PAE can occur prior to pregnancy recognition. This is an issue that can impact anyone and we all have a role to play in making a difference. 

PAE is common and FASD is not rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 20 people, most of whom are not diagnosed or identified. Stigma is a major barrier to identification and treatment. It is often very difficult for someone to get an FASD diagnosis due to a lack of diagnostic clinics, financial barriers, and dealing with systems of care that are not FASD-informed. 

There is hope.  It’s never too late to stop drinking during pregnancy and every day matters.  Resources are available from FASD United and others.  Please visit our Resource Directory.  Recovering Mothers Anonymous (RMA) is a free, confidential and safe support group for women with the experience of using a substance while pregnant.  FASD United’s Family Navigators are also available to answer questions and are accessible with no fees and no referral required.  The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator helps people find evidence-based treatment, which applies knowledge gained through decades of carefully designed scientific research. SAMHSA’s National Helpline has resources for people who need help to stop drinking. 

When it comes to alcohol treatment and recovery, give FASD a seat at the table.  Alcohol treatment and recovery services should be FASD-informed so they can best serve the unique needs of pregnant people, as well as individuals living with FASD. We know that substance/alcohol use disorders are common in young adults with FASDs. Importantly, each individual with FASD is unique and has their own strengths and positive qualities.  Treatment strategies and approaches need to be tailored to meet the needs of the FASD community.  Together, we raise awareness, reduce PAE, empower the FASD community, and improve health outcomes in our community.