Babies exposed to narcotics during pregnancy, whether legal or illegal, may develop neonatal abstinence syndrome as they withdraw after birth. Excessive shaking, blotchy skin and hyperactivity are symptoms.
Since 2017, more than 1,100 substance-dependent kids have been born in Scotland, according to figures.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for investments to support babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
Children with NAS exhibit indicators of addiction as a result of their mother’s usage of legal or illegal substances during pregnancy.
Symptoms of NAS, which are frequently caused by the transfer of maternal blood to the fetus during pregnancy, include tremors, blotchy skin, and hyperactivity.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats got the statistics through a freedom of information request. Which revealed that 1,123 babies were born with the illness in Scotland over the past five years. Including 147 so far in 2022/2023.
This is a decrease from the previous year’s total of 209, which was followed by 161 in 2020/2021, 164 in 2019/20, 199 in 2018/19, and 243 in 2017/18.
NHS Lothian had 609 cases of NAS, followed by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde with 183 cases and NHS Grampian with 156 cases.
More than 1,000 babies in Scotland are drug-dependent
According to party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, ministers must take more action. As the Scottish Drug Death Taskforce found funding in the sector to be “woefully inadequate.”
Mr. Cole-Hamilton remarked, “These numbers are just distressing.” There is likely no worst conceivable beginning for a newborn.
“[Last] year, impartial experts characterized the government’s present budget for drugs and alcohol. As grossly inadequate for a crisis of this magnitude.”
“Decades of inadequate funding led to the closure of vulnerable local facilities and the loss of vital knowledge.”
“Nicola Sturgeon has admitted that her government did not pay attention. As Scotland’s situation deteriorated to an extent unprecedented in Europe.
“It is time for dramatic action, not only to assist those currently battling with drug abuse. But also for future generations.
This necessitates investing in local programs that are best positioned to intervene. And prevent the loss of lives and the beginning of new lives dependent on substances.
£250 million to assist its national strategy
Drug abuse should always be viewed as a question of public health, not criminal justice. Anything else will sentence countless more infants to be born into these dire conditions.”
The Scottish government has allocated £250 million to assist its national strategy for combating drug abuse. Which will be used to increase and enhance access to treatment and recovery services.
A Scottish government spokeswoman stated, “No newborn baby should be dependent on substances, and as part of our national goal to combat the drug death emergency, we are boosting investment in local services and offering support to women and families.”
“We are sponsoring a residential family service provided by the charity. And housing organization Phoenix Futures in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, to assist single parents or couples with children.
“The service, which launched in November, will also assist women during their pregnancy and after they become mothers.
Additionally, we are committed to reducing the harm caused by alcohol intake during pregnancy, for which there is no safe amount. And to assist those affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disease.
