Addicted at Birth

The American Academy of Pediatrics released a new report about the guidelines of neonatal withdrawal due to the enormous increase of both illicit and prescription drug abuse by pregnant women. Dr. Mark Hudak, professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida states, “There has been a 25% increase in the neonatal intensive care unit for babies being treated for withdrawal symptoms.” Alcohol and drug consumption is dangerous and can be extremely damaging to an unborn baby. Once born, the addicted baby exhibits irritability, poor sucking, tremors, seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and shrill crying. There are risks associated with withdrawal, permanent defects, learning disabilities and/or processing problems. Addicted women who are pregnant should seek immediate addiction treatment to decrease the risk involved with pregnancy and addiction.