Rate Of Drug-Dependent Babies In Kentucky Is Double National Average

In 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported Kentucky's rate of drug-dependent babies was 15.1 cases per 1,000- more than double the national average of 7.3 cases per 1,000. In between 2013 and 2014, the number of drug-dependent babies increased 40%, however JAMA does not currently have numbers to compare the state to national averages for that year. Additionally, between July 30, 2014 and July 30, 2015, the state reported 1,234 instances of drug-dependent newborns.

Mothers who are addicted throughout pregnancy pass the addiction down to their newborns . . .