Published: April 9, 2019 | Updated: August 30, 2020

The Maternal Opiate Substance Treatment (MOST) Program is an addiction treatment program designed specifically for pregnant women with a substance abuse disorder. The program is designed to reduce the stigma for pregnant women with substance use disorders by providing prenatal and addiction treatment in the same clinic serving other women with high-risk pregnancies.

Below are common questions providers ask about the program.

What warrants a referral to the MOST Program?

• A patient who is currently using illicit substances during pregnancy: The substances are limited to opiates, benzodiazepines, illicit methadone/Subutex/Suboxone and alcohol. Amphetamines and/or cocaine use by itself does not meet criteria for a MOST admission, due to minimal physical withdrawal symptoms.

What warrants a referral for an outpatient consult with Jonathan W. Weeks, M.D., medical director of the MOST Program?

• A patient who is currently being prescribed Subutex/Suboxone/methadone and is active in treatment
• A patient who is only using amphetamines or cocaine
• A patient who may have had substance exposure in early pregnancy and is now abstinent

What does the MOST Program provide to my patient?

• Inpatient medical stabilization on the antepartum unit at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital
• Average stay of three to five days
• Medication-assisted treatment (Subutex) induction
• In some cases, we are able to fully detox a patient and provide oral naltrexone or Vivitrol.
• Discharge treatment planning catered to each individual’s needs. This includes: treatment appointment, OB/GYN appointment and a follow-up with Dr. Weeks, maternal-fetal medicine physician with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and a clinical social worker.
• Ongoing education and care coordination
• Continued access to the MOST team throughout pregnancy

The MOST program also assists postpartum women who need stabilization during their postpartum stay.

Related Content: Services treat pregnant women with substance use disorders and their babies

Refer a patient

To refer a patient to Jonathan W. Weeks, M.D., maternal-fetal medicine physician and medical director of the MOST Program:

Norton Healthcare Providers
Please use the Epic Ambulatory referral to the MOST (Maternal Opiate and Substance Treatment) program.

Non-Norton Healthcare Providers
Please fill out one of the forms below and fax to the number listed on the form.