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A new Australian study has found that the number of newborns suffering serious drug withdrawal symptoms is now more than 40 times higher than in 1980.

The research, published in the latest edition of the international journal Pediatrics, also found that these infants were at greater risk of neglect and of being taken into care.

The data analysis revealed that of 637195 live births in Western Australia between 1980 and 2005, 906 were diagnosed with Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome. For every year, there was an average 16.4% increase in children born with the syndrome.

Report co-author, Professor Fiona Stanley from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, said the study identified a range of factors that should assist with the early identification of children at risk.

"It is clear that if we are to reduce the number of these children suffering from abuse and neglect, then there is a need to start working with their mothers before these babies are born, and ideally, pre-conception," Professor Stanley said.

"Our data show that the majority of the mothers had already had contact with hospitals for mental health and substance use issues which suggests there could have been numerous opportunities to intervene to prevent unplanned pregnancy and provide intensive support with antenatal care and substance abuse treatment."

"A multidisciplinary team that includes obstetricians, social workers, drug and alcohol workers, and welfare workers is required to case manage and support the women through the complex issues that they face. However it is imperative that this support continues long term."

Professor Stanley said the increase in babies suffering NWS reflected the overall rise in substance abuse within the community and the increased recognition of NWS by health professionals. While this study was in WA, it is likely that it reflects a national trend.

"We now have the situation where 4 babies out of every 1000 births are born suffering the effects of illicit drugs -- that is over 1000 newborns per year in Australia. This has serious implications for the child, the family and the whole community and is an issue that must be tackled well before these children suffer potential harm."

The study was made possible by a groundbreaking agreement by the Western Australian Government Departments of Health and Child Protection that allowed health and welfare records to be linked and the de-identified information given to researchers for analysis.

- SOURCE


This should make the Conference on Prenatal Drug Exposure more popularly attending on
October 8, 2009, at the Seattle Airport Hilton Hotel and Conference Center.

The conference is designed for social service providers, medical personnel, caregivers, public officials, and others who work with infants and children impacted by drugs. There is no charge for the conference, but pre-registration is required and a donation of $50.00 to support the work of PICC would be appreciated.

Labels: drug abuse, newborn, pediatrics

Man oh man, if you ever want to get me riled up then talk to me about child abuse. My best friend was abused her whole life and I have known many, many other children throughout my lifetime who have been abused. It is completely unacceptable and I have absolutely no tolerance for someone who feels the need to hit or verbally accost a child. Quite frankly, those people deserve torturous suffering.

Nearly 1 million children in the U.S. were victims of abuse or neglect from October 2005 to September 2006, a figure government researchers Thursday called distressing.

What is more distressing is how many millions of children are abused and were NOT listed as a part of that figure. Of course I have no proof of that, but am 110% certain I am correct. It breaks my heart.

Neglect accounted for about 70% of the total reported cases in infants 1 week old or less, researchers say, while physical and sexual abuse accounted for 13%.

With that data all I can say is of course 70% was neglect, that is the one easiest for outsiders to spot. A child comes to school in the same clothes all week, hasn't been bathed and looks malnourished. A teacher is obligated to report something like that and if reported there is an obligation for investigation. However, a child can be sexually and physically assaulted and if there is no visible wound than outsiders will not see, right? Many, MANY of those cases go unreported. And you know, children feel guilty, they think it is their fault. It kills me, it pains me, you have no idea how deeply.

I hope this is looked into more frequently and with greater depth. I'm glad the research is being done, it's about flippin' time.

I urge you to stand up for children even if you only have an inkling that something might be going on. It is better to be safe than sorry, you can be a child's hero. I have stood up for children many times. It is VERY difficult, but there is no other choice as far as I am concerned. Silence is acceptance.

SOURCE

Labels: children, drug abuse, neglect

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Painkiller addiction victims are no more to blame for their conditions than cancer patients are to blame for theirs. Such is the nature of disease: You're sick because you're sick, not because you want to be. Sunset Malibu understand and respects that fact.

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Disclosure:
This post has been sponsored.

Labels: drug abuse, drug rehab

There seems to be a growing need for better Drug Rehabilitation centers. The statistics of young adults using drugs is alarming. In fact, according to Teen Help, in the next twenty four hours, 15,006 teens will use drugs for the first time.

Drug addictions turns addicts into shells of their former selves, strips them of all the hope and joy that make human existence such a vital thing in the first place. So it is no wonder that the suicidal rates of drug users is so high. It's sad to think there are that many teens in such a short time who are making a decision that could negatively effect their lives forever.

The Drug Rehabilitation Network is drug rehabilitation referral site, full of information and guidance on seeking help for substance abuse. They not only have articles about drug treatment centers and programs, but they also have a place where you can write in your own journal. More importantly, they do not ask any of their advertisers for money which aides them in giving a fair and honest assessment about each place they discuss.

Over half (51%) of America's teenagers have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school. For the second year in a row inhalant use has increased in 8th graders with 17.3% reporting use at least once in their lifetime. These drugs are particularly dangerous because they can damage the nervous system even after a single use, and they can be fatal. (According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse)

If you or someone you knows has an addiction, perhaps you can refer them to this network. Or print out some of the contact information available on their site. Standing by and being witness to someone who is harming themselves with drugs is just as much of a choice as is trying to help them.

Disclosure:
This post has been sponsored.

Labels: drug abuse, drug rehab