"Stop and think. If you're pregnant, don't drink."

Welcome

Welcome to the SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence Web site. The FASD Center is a Federal initiative devoted to preventing and treating FASD. This Web site provides information and resources about FASD. We also provide materials you can use to raise awareness about FASD. Additionally, The Center is dedicated to providing training, technical assistance, and conference/event speakers.

What is FASD

FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Each year in the U.S., as many as 40,000 babies are born with an FASD. The cost to the nation for FAS alone is about $6 billion a year.

The term FASD

The term FASD refers to a spectrum of conditions that include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FAE), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD). Although disorders within the spectrum can be diagnosed, the term FASD itself is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.

Agency Conducts Free Symposium on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disdorders
Courier Post, January 28, 2010

2010 Science and Service Awards Will Honor Implementation of Evidence-Based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions
Awards will be made in each of the five categories: substance abuse prevention, treatment of substance abuse and recovery support services, mental health promotion, treatment of mental illness and recovery support services, and co-occurring disorders. To be eligible for an award, an organization must have successfully implemented a recognized evidence-based intervention. Read More

ONDCP and SAMHSA Accepting Applications for $18.75 Million to Harness the Power of Drug Free Community CoalitionsONDCP and SAMHSA Accepting Applications for $18.75 Million to Harness the Power of Drug Free Community Coalitions Read More