For the best chance at getting pregnant, it is best to abstain from both drug use and alcohol before conception. That goes for women and men.
Drug and Alcohol Use Before Conception
Everyone knows the devastating consequences that come from drinking or misusing drugs while a woman is pregnant. Based on a growing body of research, it is apparent that drug use and alcohol before conception may also reduce fertility.
Knowing these risks can help clarify the impacts and consequences of a person’s drug or alcohol problem. If you and your partner want to start a family, then getting help to treat a substance use disorder is essential. Read on to learn more about the links between drug or alcohol use and infertility, and how to overcome your substance problems.
How Long a Woman Should Give Up Alcohol Before Conception
Many women like to have a drink to wind down at the end of a hectic day. On the other hand, some women don’t have control and drink too much regularly. No matter, a study documented in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology has shown that a woman should stop drinking alcohol approximately six months before conception.1 Likewise, men should abstain from alcohol for six months before conception as well. Both of these precautions lower the risk of giving birth to a baby with congenital heart disease.
Should Men Give Up Alcohol Before Conception?
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics uncovered that men who drink experience a heightened risk of sperm abnormalities.2 As a result, defects in the digestive tract, limbs, or heart may occur in an unborn baby. Also, a cleft lip may occur. Although the chances of experiencing these congenital disabilities are low, it is worth being aware of the consequences of drinking before conception.
How Long a Woman Should Give Up Drug Use Before Conception
There are a variety of recreational drugs that can cause adverse effects on unborn babies. Besides refraining from drug misuse during pregnancy, it is vital to stop taking these substances before conception. Studies have linked drug misuse to infertility. For a couple looking to start a family, drug use can be the tragic reason the woman cannot get pregnant.
Marijuana Misuse and Infertility
An established study concluded that women who admitted to smoking marijuana had a heightened risk for ovulation problems.3 An anovulatory cycle, a month when no egg is released, was most prevalent in females who used marijuana within one year of trying to have a baby.
A different study found a link between marijuana use and low sperm count.4 Both of these studies suggest that it is best to stop smoking marijuana before trying to conceive. Experts recommend that women stop smoking the substance one year before trying to become pregnant. Men should stop using marijuana three months before trying to conceive.
Cocaine Misuse and Infertility
Cocaine is another recreational drug that jeopardizes a person’s fertility. Again, both men and women are affected. A study performed in the 1990s examined the impact of cocaine on ovulation.5 Researchers discovered that cocaine might make a woman’s menstrual cycle inconsistent, and fallopian tube abnormalities may result from cocaine use.
A 1990 Yale University study found that using cocaine lowers a man’s sperm count.6 Also, long-term use makes it difficult to maintain testosterone levels. In other words, it harms the quality of a man’s sperm.
Since cocaine can pass from the sperm to an egg after fertilization, a mother is at higher risk of miscarriage. Therefore, it is advised for a couple to suspend this type of drug use a few months before trying to conceive.
It is Not Always Easy to Quit
Although most people have good intentions and want to deliver healthy babies, it is not always easy to stop taking drugs when a misuse disorder exists. Some people may decide to quit cold turkey, but this can lead to harmful results. Also, relapse is common without solid treatment.
Other times, a woman may become pregnant without any pre-planning. Upon learning about her pregnancy, she may try to quit drugs or alcohol without success. As previously discussed, these types of substances can have severe effects on an unborn child and can lead to long-term health consequences for them.
Seeking Help for an Alcohol or Drug Use Before Conception
If a person’s drug use is more than recreational and is hard to quit, it is essential to seek assistance. Along with various harmful effects on the individual’s health, we’ve shown that fertility challenges are another consequence of substance use.
Getting sober is vital before pregnancy. As discussed, a woman must abstain from drugs and alcohol before conception. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we provide a relaxing atmosphere to begin treatment. We have various treatment options that help a person prepare mentally and physically for starting a family.
Medical Detox in Laguna Niguel
Substance use can significantly impact fertility, hormone regulation, and overall reproductive health. Undergoing medical detox in Laguna Niguel before trying to conceive is critical because it allows the body to safely remove harmful substances under clinical supervision, minimizing health risks to both the individual and the future baby. Drug and alcohol exposure can affect egg and sperm quality, increase the risk of miscarriage, and contribute to developmental problems during pregnancy. A medically supervised detox helps stabilize physical health, promote better nutrition, and restore the body’s natural systems, making conception safer and healthier for everyone involved.
Beyond physical health, untreated substance use can also cause emotional and psychological instability, which can severely affect the ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Medical detox provides essential emotional support and medical oversight, helping individuals establish mental and physical balance before planning for a child. Building a foundation of sobriety not only reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy but also fosters a nurturing, stable environment necessary for raising a healthy baby. Engaging in medical detox at Ocean Hills Recovery is an investment in the well-being of both the parent and the future child, ensuring that the start of life is supported by stability and care.
Residential Drug Treatment in Laguna Niguel
Completing residential drug treatment in Laguna Niguel before trying to conceive is crucial because it provides the structured, intensive care necessary to address the root causes of addiction. Simply achieving short-term sobriety is not enough to prepare for the physical, emotional, and lifestyle demands of pregnancy and parenthood. Residential treatment provides continuous therapeutic support, medical oversight, and skills-building opportunities that help individuals stabilize their health, manage stress, and maintain long-term sobriety. Fully engaging in a structured program enables individuals to strengthen their coping mechanisms, rebuild healthy routines, and address underlying emotional challenges that could otherwise jeopardize a healthy pregnancy.
Residential drug treatment in Laguna Niguel also provides critical education on healthy living habits, emotional resilience, and relapse prevention strategies—foundations that are essential for creating a stable environment for a future child. Attempting to conceive without completing intensive treatment increases the risk of relapse, emotional instability, and physical health issues, all of which can negatively impact both parent and child. Completing residential care ensures that individuals are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to handle the significant responsibilities that come with bringing new life into the world. It also demonstrates a clear commitment to building a healthy future, giving both the individual and their future child the best possible start.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Laguna Niguel
Completing a partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Ocean Hills Recovery in Laguna Niguel before trying to conceive is essential because it helps solidify recovery in a structured, supportive environment. PHP provides intensive therapy during the day while allowing individuals to gradually reintegrate into everyday life, helping them apply coping strategies and stress management skills outside of a residential setting. This structure is crucial for individuals preparing for pregnancy, as it ensures they have developed the emotional resilience, stability, and healthy habits necessary to maintain sobriety long-term. Addressing emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and lifestyle balance through a PHP lays a stronger foundation for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Attempting to conceive without completing a partial hospitalization program may leave gaps in emotional preparedness and coping mechanisms, increasing the risk of relapse during the highly demanding stages of pregnancy and parenting. PHP completion indicates that an individual has successfully managed treatment while handling increasing levels of independence, a key indicator of readiness for the complex responsibilities of raising a child. It also gives future parents the chance to build healthier relationships, reinforce positive routines, and strengthen support systems—critical elements for creating a stable, nurturing home for their baby. A strong recovery established through PHP greatly improves the chances of physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term family stability.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Laguna Niguel
Completing an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Laguna Niguel before trying to conceive is vital because it helps ensure that recovery is stable and integrated into everyday life. An IOP provides structured therapy several times per week, allowing individuals to strengthen their coping strategies, stress management skills, and emotional regulation while balancing real-world responsibilities. This level of treatment builds the consistency and resilience needed to handle the emotional and physical demands of pregnancy. By completing an IOP, individuals show that they have successfully managed sobriety while navigating daily life, an important step toward creating a healthy, supportive environment for a future child.
Entering parenthood without completing an intensive outpatient program may leave important emotional and behavioral issues unaddressed, increasing the risk of relapse during pregnancy or early parenting. Completing an IOP in Laguna Niguel offers the added benefit of connecting with strong local recovery resources and community support, which are essential during the challenges of starting a family. It ensures that individuals have reinforced positive routines, expanded their sober support networks, and built a sustainable recovery plan. A strong foundation established through IOP not only protects the health of the parent but also gives the future baby the best opportunity to thrive in a stable, nurturing home.
Call Ocean Hills Recovery Today
If you are ready to take the first step toward lasting recovery and a brighter future, Ocean Hills Recovery in Laguna Niguel is here to support you. Our team of compassionate professionals will guide you through every stage of the healing process with the care and expertise you deserve. Do not wait to reclaim your health, your hope, and your life. Contact Ocean Hills Recovery today to speak with our admissions team and discover how we can help you begin your recovery with strength and confidence. Your new beginning starts with a single call—reach out now.
FAQs
How long should women abstain from alcohol before trying to conceive?
Women are advised to abstain from alcohol for at least six months before trying to conceive. This precaution reduces the risk of giving birth to a baby with congenital heart disease and supports healthier pregnancy outcomes overall.
Should men stop drinking alcohol before conception as well?
Yes, men should also abstain from alcohol for six months before conception. Research shows that alcohol use in men can lead to sperm abnormalities and increase the risk of congenital disabilities in their future children.
How does drug use before conception affect fertility?
Drug use before conception can significantly reduce fertility for both men and women. Substances like marijuana and cocaine have been linked to ovulation issues, low sperm count, irregular menstrual cycles, and other reproductive health problems that make conception more difficult.
Is it necessary to complete medical detox before trying to have a baby?
Yes, completing a medically supervised detox is crucial before trying to conceive. Medical detox helps safely remove harmful substances from the body, stabilizes physical health, and reduces risks associated with drug or alcohol exposure during early pregnancy.
Why is completing a structured treatment program important before conception?
Completing a structured treatment program, such as residential treatment, PHP, or IOP, ensures individuals are emotionally and physically prepared for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting. It promotes long-term sobriety, emotional stability, and the creation of a safe, nurturing environment for a future child.
Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/men/news/20191004/men-should-quit-drinking-before-trying-to-conceive
[2] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2778779
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2081252/
[4] https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/182/6/473/82600?login=true
[5] https://www.eivf.org/post/the-dangerous-way-that-cocaine-affects-your-fertility
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2298313/
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