Letter: Thanks for accuracy, sensitivity on opioids article

Re: the March 6 article “New parents on opioids get help in drug program"

Brava to the Star and apprentice reporter Brandi Walker for this article. As an NICU nurse, I have practiced with babies prenatally exposed to opioids and other substance for over 30 years. I give presentations across the U.S. on neonatal abstinence and emphasize the need for multi-faceted care.

I applaud Ms. Walker for her sensitivity, accuracy and non-judgmental reporting. It is refreshing to see correct terminology of “babies exposed’ rather than addicted. Babies can never be addicted. They are dependent upon the drug that has crossed the placenta resulting in the symptoms of withdrawal after birth.

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Addiction or substance use disorder implies “evidence of impaired control, social impairment and risky use.” (American Society of Addiction Medicine). Thank you, Ms. Walker, for doing your homework!

Maureen Shogan, MN, RNC

Green Valley