Drug Withdrawal for Babies
Babies born to drug addicted mothers in the USA are facing the same problems as in Australia.
There are few doctors willing to treat pregnant opiate addicts because of the consequences of drug withdrawal on the new born.
Babies cry excessively, have stiff limbs, tremors, diarrhea and other problems that make life excruciating.
A study by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention found that babies exposed to opiates in utero had slightly higher rates of birth defects, congenial heart defects, glaucoma and spina bifida.
Medical professionals admit little is known on the effect of opiate use on babies in utero.
Rigorous studies on treating infant withdrawal are scarce.
(Source: Drug Watch International 11 April 2011)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This problem is occurring in Australia and is escalating due to high numbers of addicted women of child bearing age.
Both Australia and USA need to reduce the number of drug users in an early intervention initiative to tackle this problem.
Early intervention drug rehabilitation to abstinence can have a major impact on reducing the number of drug addicted babies born.
By diverting identified illicit drug users into court directed and supervised drug rehabilitation we can reduce the addicted mothers and their babies.
There needs to be major research done in Australia and overseas on the long term health impacts of babies born with drug addiction.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
21/2011
