Neonatal Opioid Dependence
Neonatal opioid dependence, also known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), is a condition in which newborns experience withdrawal symptoms due to prenatal opioid exposure. This occurs when an expectant mother uses opioids during pregnancy, leading to fetal drug dependence. After birth, the sudden discontinuation of opioid supply triggers withdrawal symptoms in the infant, affecting multiple