ACER has officially launched a specialty Outpatient Detoxification Program for Pregnant Women.  This program provides services for women, at any stage of pregnancy, an alternative option for withdrawal from substances, primarily opiates.   Functioning initially out of our Slidell office, this innovative program provides medication-assisted therapy (MAT),  behavioral health counseling and fetal monitoring to assist women in achieving a successful transition from opiate use to a substance-free lifestyle.  Each client is provided  with a comprehensive treatment team including a counselor, psychiatrist, nurse and OB/GYN to provide integrated and individualized care to each person.  During the program, women are typically maintained on a medication dose throughout pregnancy until delivery and engage in counseling services at various levels.  An OB/GYN supervises and coordinates care. Post-delivery, the medication taper is initiated (detoxification) and lasts 8-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the withdrawal.  Counseling services continue to be provided as long as necessary to achieve stability and long-term recovery. Women using multiple substances in combination will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  ACER has also engaged in a partnership with Odyssey House in New Orleans to refer women for inpatient/residential care if a higher level of care is needed.