About Us

What is Arkansas CARES?

A division of the UAMS Department of Psychiatry, the Arkansas Center for Addictions Research, Education & Services (CARES) is a non-profit residential prevention & treatment program for mothers who are affected by substance abuse: alcohol, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, or other drugs. The program is unique because children come into treatment with their mothers. The mothers' treatment serves in part as a prevention measure for their children to break the cycle of addiction. Now in its 11th year, the program has sites in Little Rock and North Little Rock.

How much of a problem is addiction by mothers in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Department of Health and Gallup Organization estimated that nearly one in three mothers in Arkansas with children under 19 are in need of treatment for substance abuse. In another study, 17% of women getting pregnancy tests in Arkansas tested positive for drugs of abuse – not including alcohol and tobacco, which are the worst on a developing baby. Many of these mothers who have alcohol and drug problems also have a mental health disorder (such as post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.). There is just not enough treatment available for mothers with their children. The majority of mothers love their children and want to be good parents, but when they are pulled by their addiction, good parenting isn’t a priority.

Does treatment work?

Prevention and treatment efforts definitely work! Addiction is a chronic disease, much like diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma. According to a recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine , persons with addiction are more likely to comply with their treatment plan than persons with the other three conditions. Most of the families who graduate from the Arkansas CARES treatment program are doing well: 85% of the mom’s are still drug-free one year later. Most have found employment, have fewer legal problems, fewer mental health problems, and get along better their family members. Treatment is also cost effective. Many families can be treated for what it costs to incarcerate one mother and place her three children in foster care. Plus, the outcomes of treatment are so much better than incarceration.

What is treatment like?

The treatment program at Arkansas CARES is hard work. It is a four-to-six month program where the women learn not only how to overcome their addictions and stay sober, but parenting, relationship, family, communication and job skills. In their initial stage of treatment, they can have no visitors or off-site passes.

What can happen if a mother does not get treatment?

The consequences are many – from child protective actions and unemployment to arrest, incarceration, illness and death.

What problems do children have if their mothers use drugs?

The greatest risk to a child of an addicted mother is abuse and neglect. The best way to help children affected by addiction is to help their mothers. If a woman is pregnant and using drugs or alcohol, common risks include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, being born too soon and too small, and being born with infections. Children are at a greater risk for health and development problems, as well as at risk for becoming addicted themselves at some point in their life. In fact, more than 80% of mothers in the Arkansas CARES treatment program have a parent with a substance abuse problem.

What are the costs of treatment at Arkansas CARES?

Costs of treatment vary according to what services are needed. Most families need residential treatment for an average of five months and then continued outpatient care. There are grants from the state and federal government that help pay for care. Medicaid pays for mental health services, which most women and some children need. There is a financial counselor who will work out a payment plan with clients, so the women need not let a lack of money stop her from seeking care.

How does a women get into Arkansas CARES?

Women come to the program in many ways – court system, child protective services, health care workers, jail or prison, walk-ins, or their family may bring them. People can call 501/661-7979 for a confidential assessment of need.