Victims Of Cocaine Abuse

by AdamS on June 9, 2012

Abusing the use of cocaine while pregnant can lead to devastating effects on infants. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), near 45,000 babies exposed to cocaine are born every year. After the children are born, they often have to endure cocaine detox for babies with addiction. During this time, child protective services are often called upon to evaluate whether or not the mother is in an appropriate condition to be caring for a child. Mothers have the option of entering a cocaine detox program as step toward regaining custody of their child, but that is not always the case or the outcome.

Not All Cocaine-Affected Babies Are Accounted For

Doctors are convinced that the number of cocaine-affected babies in the United States is on the rise. Cocaine is typically used along with other drugs, so babies can actually be born with multiple addictions that are not noted at the time of birth. Due to the use of multiple illicit drugs, mothers do not always report the birth of their baby for fear of getting their children taken away or imprisonment.

How Babies Manifest Addiction   

Infants that are born addicted to cocaine do not have the same symptoms as a full grown adult; they still cry and can be as restless as regular newborns. Cocaine has more neurological effects where the baby can show more emotional distress than typical babies. These babies experience trouble in the womb due to lack of nutrition caused by their mothers’ addiction. This can lead to premature labor and slow cognitive development. Their memory can be severely affected and will require special attention as they get older. In some cases, cocaine-affected babies have died soon after birth from stroke or respiratory problems.

What Can Be Done?

For infants that manifest addiction through high emotional distress, doctors will use a warm blanket to swaddle the child while gently rocking them to give a sense of security that they would not otherwise have. While in a hospital environment, that is really the only thing that doctors can do other than keep them under constant supervision while giving them nutritional supplements to boost their poor immune system. Protection from parents is often a necessary action. Cocaine-exposed babies are already considered victims of child abuse and can be taken away from mothers by child protective services to keep them from further abuse.
The birth of drug-affected children in America continues to increase. However, the more serious concern is the number of children born with an addiction that are not reported. Mothers of cocaine-affected infants should always report the birth of their child to medical professionals. There are many drug detox facilities that have programs to specially fit the needs of mothers that are in this situation. They are encouraged to take part in a cocaine detox program where they can focus on their own recovery. Afterwards, they will have a greater chance of getting custody of their child.

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