Dr. Maria Manriquez
Arizona’s Only OBGYN with Dual Certification in Addiction Medicine
As America works through its road to collective recovery from the pandemic, data is showing that addiction-related fatal overdoses are higher than ever before with a 20 per cent increase in a 12-month period+. A group that is often overlooked in the discussion on substance abuse disorder is pregnant women and Phoenix’ Dr. Maria Manriquez is here to further the conversation and change the stigma that exists with pregnant women and substance abuse.
As the lead physician for the Pain and Additional Medicine Curriculum at the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix, Dr. Manriquez is one of few in Arizona OB-GYN’s to also hold a Board Certification in Addiction Medicine. With 22 years of experience, her practice offers transformative women’s health and addiction programs aimed to help women overcome substance abuse disorders and empower them to live a healthier life.
With best-in-class in-person, telemedicine and outpatient programs to help pregnant women during pregnancy and postpartum, Dr. Manriquez brings her extensive knowledge in both areas to come alongside patients wherever they are on their journey to recovery.
“Substance addiction and pregnancy is a growing concern nationally and most people do not understand the various factors that contribute to these disorders,” said Dr. Maria Manriquez. “The biggest stigma is that patients are choosing to expose their child to harmful substances. The reality is there’s nothing rational about addiction - It’s not a choice, it’s a tragedy.”
Through the pandemic, the practice’s telemedicine services have been increasingly popular with nationwide lockdowns limiting access to medical resources. Dr. Manriquez has also seen an increase in needed intensive outpatient programs. “We now have a pregnancy and postpartum specific intensive outpatient program directed by Dr Laura Stewart, a psychologist, that provides a minimum of 9 hours of treatment each week”. Currently the program provides both in person and virtual services. At Banner Women’s Institute the patients have their obstetric, addiction medicine and behavioral health care in one location.
“Substance use disorder and pregnancy is a growing concern nationally. The “crack baby” stigma is not just incorrect and harmful but has contributed to a resulting blindspot in care. Many women struggle with opioid dependence during pregnancy who may have been treated with pain medication for chronic pain even before pregnancy.”
A Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG), Dr. Maria Manriquez is an alumni of University of Arizona College of Medicine. She directs and supervises activities of the pre-matriculation pipeline program at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, aligning with her deep belief that greater education of social determinants of health and addiction will change the culture to be more understanding.
Dr. Maria Manriquez is available to discuss the rising cases of pregnancy and substance abuse disorder among women nationally and in Arizona, provide an overview of treatment options and more. For media appearances, please contact Cathy@CathyCardenas.com
About Dr. Maria Manriquez
Dr. Maria Manriquez is Arizona’s only OBGYN-Provider that holds a dual certification in Addiction Medicine. Her clinical practices focus on substance use disorders in pregnancy and parenting women. Dr. Manriquez’ research and advocacy focus is aimed at investigating innovations in prenatal care models addressing maternal morbidity and mortality, preterm delivery rate and substance abuse disorders in pregnancy. For more information please visit
