A Birth Mother’s Perspective on Adoption: Pregnant and Addicted to Drugs
Growing up, Jessica never imagined that she would find herself struggling with a drug addiction and an unplanned pregnancy; those types of things didn’t happen to her. Up until her senior year of high school, she walked the straight and narrow, never breaking the rules. However, halfway through her senior year, she met Brad. Brad seemed to be so laid back and unbothered, and she was pulling her hair out, trying to keep her grades up. Brad and his friends told her she needed to loosen up and live a little, so she decided to try something new. What could it hurt?
At first, it started with alcohol. A few sips here and there. But then it turned into drugs, and, from there, a full-blown addiction.
Jessica’s drug addiction continued through the end of high school and into college. It wasn’t as if she had not tried to fight it. Her addiction was overwhelming, and she felt so small. Her friends and family tried to help, but her addiction overpowered them too. Suddenly, she was all alone.
Jessica’s Adoption Journey
When two pink lines appeared on her pregnancy test, Jessica made up her mind. Her baby would not be alone. She would beat her addiction and find a way to give her baby a better life.
When Jessica first began researching being pregnant and addicted to drugs, she was scared. Could she even beat her addiction? What would happen to her baby? Would Child Protective Services (CPS) take them away?
During her research, Jessica stumbled upon Adoption Choices of Oklahoma. The adoption agency was ready to help her find a better life for her baby and support her while she battled her addiction. Her adoption caseworker and birth parent counselor promised to be by her side every step of the way.
After a few days of thinking it over, Jessica reached out to Adoption Choices of Oklahoma for help. The staff was so understanding and answered all of her questions. Their kindness helped reassure Jessica that she was headed in the right direction and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
With her adoption caseworker and birth parent counselor’s help, Jessica enrolled in a drug addiction recovery program and began moving forward with the adoption process. True to their word, they worked with her every step of the way.
As she began to create her adoption plan, Jessica chose a semi-open adoption. With a semi-open adoption, Jessica could focus on herself and recovering, all the while still having the reassurance that her baby was living a wonderful life. She was also able to choose an adoptive family for her child who reminded her of the life she had before her addiction took over.
Now, Jessica has been clean for a year and is slowly repairing her relationship with her family. Her baby is thriving and happy with a family who sends her pictures and letters every month. She has made it to the end of the tunnel.
Pregnancy and Drug Addiction: A Note to Birth Mothers
If you have a story similar to Jessica’s, chances are that placing your baby for adoption is the scariest choice you have ever made. However, Adoption Choices of Oklahoma wants you to know that you have nothing to fear. There is nothing wrong with choosing adoption when you are pregnant and addicted to drugs. You will not be in trouble, and we will not report you. You won’t go to jail. Your baby is not unadoptable because of your struggles. We can say with 100% certainty that there is an adoptive family out there who will love and care for your baby with their whole hearts.
Adoption Choices of Oklahoma is a private adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the adoption community. We have been assisting birth parents, children, and adoptive families in Oklahoma for over 19 years. Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized adoption experience to all involved in the adoption process. If you are currently in the process of adopting a baby and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Grace Myers is a sophomore digital media major at North Greenville University. She loves writing and hopes to pursue a career in journalism or public relations after graduating.
An adoptee herself, Grace is passionate about writing for adoption. She especially loves hearing adoption stories and getting to know a variety of people.
