Expectant mothers aren't just breathing, eating, and drinking for 2, but what they become exposed to, including alcohol and drugs, is affecting their unborn baby. If an expectant mother is having a drink or taking any kind of illicit drug or prescription medication which could adversely influence their child, like prescription pain killers or sedatives which are often abused non-medically, so is their baby. Therefore, it is imperative that addiction treatment for expectant mothers is available and made use of on an immediate basis, to ensure that both mother and child can avoid any severe and disastrous effects. Becoming abstinent one one's own, even if one's pregnancy is at risk, isn't as simple as you might think. Being a substance abuser can alter one's decision making and priorities, which can make it difficult to make the correct choices regarding one's pregnancy. In addiction treatment for expectant mothers, treatment counselors will make sure that rehabilitation client is easily detoxed and receives the treatment they need to stay abstinent for the remainder of their pregnancy and beyond that. This will make sure that they are able to be a competent and loving parent to their child once they deliver their baby, and can continue to have a substance abuse free life.