Addiction Seen in Newborns
The number of cases reported of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the United States has jumped from 159 for every 10,000 births in 2015, and in particular has become an epidemic in Ohio. “Neonatal abstinence syndrome” refers to a baby born from a mother who is an addict and as a result this newborn comes into the world ill, craving drugs, and suffering severe withdrawal.
Ohio has developed a huge issue with addiction, allowing it to lead the nation in deaths related to heroin and opioid overdose. Many of these addicts become pregnant while using, causing harm to both them and their child. The Ohio department of health reported 2,174 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome in 2015 alone, meaning about 6 infants are born with withdrawal symptoms in Ohio every day. Many of these innocent babies come into the world dependent on heroin, opioids, or a combination of both before they even take their first breath.
If withdrawal symptoms are severe enough some babies may have to stay in the hospital for weeks or even months after birth. Doctors must prescribe the infant drugs similar to those used during their mother’s pregnancy in order to slowly wean the child off their dependency to a particular drug. Although it is necessary for recovery, this is simply putting more toxic chemicals into the body of an innocent child who does not deserve to begin their life in such turmoil.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a huge national issue and is a prime example of how one person’s addiction can directly affect the life someone else. Before reading about this topic, I had no idea that this was such an epidemic. Yes, there are rehabilitation centers constructed specifically for expecting mothers who are addicts, but this mother must be willing to change in order for these programs to create a substantial decrease in the number of neonatal abstinence syndrome cases per year. Although a touchy subject, the dangers of using while pregnant should be made more evident in society. People need to know how harmful these behaviors could be to the life of a newborn in order to see a significant change.
