The problems with drug addiction have reached down to trap pregnant women and their drug addicted babies in West Virginia where 373 pregnant women were treated for substance abuse and their newborns weaned off opiates with methadone. In some cases, getting the babies off drugs took weeks. 214 of the mothers went to a drug rehab program and some went to methadone clinics.

“It’s a huge problem” said Stefan Maxwell, chief of pediatrics and director of Neonatal Intensive Care Services at CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital in Charleston.
In 2006, 119 babies had to go through withdrawal - more than double the number in 2003.

The state is adding neonatal beds for the babies who need help because of their mother’s addiction.

West Virginia has had a problem with OxyContin dependency and addiction for a long time. And with 37% of its citizens on disability, it’s no surprise that hundreds of women are affected. Fortunately, there is now a new program to help these women get into a West Virginia drug rehab program. Women who admit to using drugs during pregnancy won’t face criminal penalties and can get the treatment they need.

West Virginia is facing a tough time because of Oxycontin addiction and abuse and they desperately need more drug rehab treatment facilities to handle the problem.

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