Freedom of Information Request Reveals Shocking Scale

More than 1600 newborns have been treated for drug dependency in Scotland since 2017, according to devastating new figures obtained through freedom of information requests.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed that at least 1633 drug-dependent babies in Scotland have received treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) across the country’s health boards over the past eight years.

Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when babies withdraw from addictive substances their mothers consumed during pregnancy. The condition affects newborns within days of birth, causing uncontrollable trembling, severe sickness, poor weight gain and continuous high-pitched crying.

Political Response to the Crisis

Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton described the figures as “devastating” and criticised the SNP’s handling of Scotland’s ongoing drugs crisis.

“It is difficult to imagine a worse start to life than a newborn suffering from drug dependency,” Mr Cole-Hamilton said. “These figures are devastating, but an important reminder of the dreadful harms caused by Scotland’s drugs emergency.”

The politician pointed to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s admission that the SNP had “taken their eye off the ball” on drug-related issues, arguing that subsequent funding cuts have left support services struggling to cope with the scale of newborn drug addiction in Scotland.

£1 Million Commitment for Specialist Support

As part of their budget negotiations in early 2025, the Liberal Democrats secured a £1 million commitment specifically for specialist support programmes addressing drug-dependent babies in Scotland.

Mr Cole-Hamilton outlined his party’s broader strategy to tackle the crisis, which includes establishing safer drug consumption facilities and investing in community-based services aimed at preventing drug-related deaths.

Government Response and Commitment to Improvement

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that no baby should be born dependent on substances and emphasising the need for non-judgmental support for affected mothers.

“We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able to access the support they need,” Ms Todd said. “We have provided record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, and are widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.”

The Case for Early Intervention and Prevention

The figures highlight the urgent need for early intervention and prevention strategies to address maternal substance use before pregnancy occurs. Health experts stress that supporting vulnerable women before and during pregnancy remains critical to reducing cases of newborn drug addiction in Scotland year after year.

The Scottish Government has pledged to continue improving services for those affected by substance dependency, though critics argue more decisive action is needed to reverse the trend of drug-dependent babies being born across the country.

Source: dbrecoveryresources