This paper presents findings from a participatory action research group which examined how women recover from substance misuse and thus prevent fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The group found that substance misuse problems are part of women's larger social and economic problems such as violence, poverty, sexism, lack of supports, unemployment, and stigma. The paper makes recommendations for policy makers and social workers and urges them to redefine their concept of womens' recovery as well as their attitudes toward women self-medicating.