Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) or Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome(NOWS) is a group of withdrawal. Signs that may occur in a newborn who has neem exposed to opioids and other substances. Luckily, NAS is treatable. (SAMHSA, n.d.a) 

NAS is caused by a mother’s use of opioids or medication to treat opioid use disorder. (SAMHSA, n.d.a) It is recommended mother’s ask for support, talk with care professionals to create a treatment plan and to never let fear or feeling embarrassed keep you from getting the care and help you deserve and need. (SAMHSA, n.d.b) 

SYMPTOM onset can occur anywhere from birth to a couple of weeks following birth.  
It is important to know that if you see symptom onset to call a provider immediately. 

Withdrawal symptoms in newborns 

• Tremors 
• Excessive high-pitched crying/irritability 
• Poor feeding/suckling 
• Vomiting and diarrhea 
• Sleep problems and lots of yawning 
• Seizures 
• Rapid breathing 

 Complications like low birthweight, jaundice, seizures and SIDS-sudden infant death syndrome can all occur as well  (March of Dimes, 2019)  

Newborn drug screenings detect the type and amount of drugs in the baby’s body using samples from the umbilical cord, urine, or blood. A meconium test may also be performed on the baby’s first bowel movement. The mother may also undergo a drug screening to assist with diagnosis. Additionally, healthcare providers use the NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome) scoring system to assess the severity of the baby’s withdrawal symptoms. The score helps guide treatment to ease the baby’s symptoms. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022) 

Treatment depends on the drug and the amount in the infant’s system. Treatment can include medication(s) like methadone and morphine. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022)  

The State of Michigan has a list of publicly funded and available behavioral health programs, by county. This list provides contact information for substance use disorder treatment, gambling counseling, mental health counseling, assessments, as well as classes required for substance use related traffic offenses.  

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/drugcontrol/welcome/get-help-now-behavioral-health_1 

The State of Michigan has a list of contact information for local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSP),  by county.  

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/mentalhealth/get-help-now 

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 12). Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (formerly known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23226-neonatal-abstinence-syndrome  

March of Dimes. (2019, June). Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). March of Dimes. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/planning-baby/neonatal-abstinence-syndrome-nas  

SAMHSA (n.d.a). Treating Babies Who Were Exposed to Opioids Before Birth Support for a new beginning. SAMHSA. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma18-5071fs3.pdf  

SAMHSA (n.d.b). Opioid Use Disorder and Pregnancy Taking helpful steps for a healthy pregnancy. SAMHSA. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma18-5071fs1.pdf