A Holistic & Practical Approach for Addressing Opioid Substance Use Disorder-Dye

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal syndrome in newborns exposed to substances in utero, especially opioids. Its incidence has risen sharply, leading to longer NICU stays, higher costs, and increased risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, feeding problems, and child maltreatment. Symptoms often begin on day 2–3 of life, but may appear as late as 14 days, depending on the drug. Common signs include high-pitched cry, tremors, poor feeding, nasal stuffiness, irritability, and sleep disturbance. Diagnosis may use meconium, urine, or hair drug screens, with meconium being most sensitive for earlier exposure. Treatment is multidisciplinary and includes non-pharmacologic care such as swaddling, low stimulation, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and clustered care. Finnegan scoring guides treatment; scores of 8 or more may prompt morphine therapy. A newer “eat, sleep, console” approach emphasizes family involvement and may reduce medication use and hospital stay. Long-term risks include neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems.

Asset Caption

Dr. Dye NAS Recording

Keywords

neonatal abstinence syndrome

opioid withdrawal

newborn withdrawal symptoms

Finnegan scoring

eat sleep console

NICU stay