The connection between economic conditions and neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
We cannot hide the fact that our country is wrapped in the middle of a drug crisis. As more illegal painkillers like heroin and fentanyl flow into our country, people are also becoming addicted to opioids that are 100% legal and fully approved by big-brand companies. Even more disturbing, adults are not the only group of victims who are facing the full brunt of this terrifying health crisis. Recent reports show that unborn babies are being exposed to opioids after their mothers ingest these drugs during pregnancy. However, as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports, rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), the direct cause of prenatal opioid exposure, might be directly related to economic conditions. Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Lack of Care, Low Employment, and Higher NAS Rates
As part of a recent analysis funded by NIDA, researchers assessed regions in 8 states and confirmed a significant connection between economic statuses and the rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a painful disorder where babies suffer from drug withdrawal after birth. As part of the test, officials assessed information from 580 counties in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington (between the years 2009 and 2015).
In conclusion, the researchers confirmed that regions with long-term problems associated with low unemployment rates and a scarcity of mental health programs produced more cases of NAS.
Leave It to the Numbers
Overall, the study focused on 6 million births that had taken place across the 580 counties that had been selected. As part of the period of study (2009-2015), researchers confirmed the median NAS rate per 1,000 births (in hospitals) boosted from 3.2 to 14.5, completely overwhelming the rate of opioid use among pregnant mothers in these same locations.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction. If you are ever instructed to take these medications, proceed with caution. Follow the instructions to the letter and never take more than the required dose. Although they might be able to help people cope with pain (chronic or injury-related), these drugs can still wreak havoc on the mind and body.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.