Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Purpose: The opioid crisis in Canada, driven by a toxic drug supply, results in an average of 21 deaths daily. Since most opioid-related deaths occur during the reproductive years, this crisis presents considerable risk during the perinatal period. The postpartum phase is especially vulnerable, with overdose emerging as a leading cause of maternal mortality in the post-birth period. Despite this concern, research has focused on substance use during pregnancy, often overlooking the postpartum experience. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the evidence on substance use recovery in the postpartum period, with a focus on identifying strategies to improve the delivery of treatment programs. Methods: This scoping review utilized Arksey and O'Malley's framework, which encompasses five distinct steps: (1) defining the problem, (2) identifying relevant studies using a developed search strategy, (3) selecting studies based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, (4) charting data and organizing key information into themes, and (5) summarizing and reporting results. Main Findings: Eleven studies revealed four themes: (1) The influence of diverse relationships on recovery, (2) The central role of the mother-child bond, (3) The importance of cultivating self-related factors, and (4) Navigating barriers to care. Conclusion with Implications: Integrated programs that combine perinatal care with substance use treatment are critical for supporting postpartum recovery from substance use disorders. Advocacy is necessary to promote policies that ensure universal access to these programs, with a focus on overcoming barriers to care and ensuring availability in rural and remote areas. These programs should also integrate social services aimed at preserving family cohesion and securing stable housing. Further research is needed to examine how integrated treatment programs can assist women in navigating complex relationships and cultivating self-related internal factors.