Medical doctors and nurses will readily agree that there is nothing more unsettling and heart wrenching than helping an opioid-addicted baby endure withdrawals. Imagine being born dependent on these dangerous drugs, and the first moments of your life are riddled with nothing but pain, shivering, and emotional distress. Nowadays, this scene plays out across neonatal units in hospitals all over the United States, as the number of childbearing-age women suffer through opioid addiction (resulting in their children absorbing the drugs in utero). Over the past 15 years, the national average of neonatal abstinence syndrome as quadrupled. In the State of Tennessee, though, this percentage has skyrocketed to a new level of danger, with eight counties reporting rates that far exceed our national average. Let’s take a closer look at this unfortunate reality in the Volunteer State.
Vowing to Protect Our Children
In a tragic twist, the issue of infant opioid addiction and withdrawal has become so severe in Tennessee that eight district attorneys general sued manufacturers in defense of babies born with NAS in 2017. Spanning 24 counties, the suits are two of many aspects of nationwide effort to bring drug manufacturers and distributors to justice. For one of the suits (in which he also serves as a plaintiff), Sullivan Country District Attorney General Barry Staubus has described the overflow of opioids into Tennessee as a tragic reality of everyday life.
An Overwhelming Problem
According to recent reports, the number of babies requiring intensive medical attention for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) has completely overwhelmed doctors, so much that officials opened a new wing at Niswonger Children’s Hospital (Johnson City, Tennessee). From 2009 to present, the staff at the hospital has cared for 1,800 babies suffering from NAS. Meanwhile, neonatologist Dr. Shawn Hollinger has witnessed 351 newborns suffering from NAS come through his department.
Even more disturbing, U.S. reports show that 6 out of 1,000 newborns in the United States are being diagnosed with some form of NAS. So what is driving the numbers?
According to additional reports, women are using more opioids in rural areas of the country and boosting these addiction rates to terrifying levels. Sullivan County, Tennessee recently reported that 50.5% of NAS cases take place per 1,000 births, one of the highest rates ever recorded in the past five years.
Always remember that opioids do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
