Surge in drug-affected newborns driven by rural opioid use

CHICAGO (AP) — A surge in U.S infants born with symptoms of withdrawal from heroin or strong prescription painkillers is driven largely by rising drug use among women in rural areas, a new study found.

Newborns whose mothers use these drugs during pregnancy are at risk for seizures, excessive crying, problems with breathing, sleeping and feeding and other withdrawal symptoms.

The new study shows there's an urgent need for more programs to make it easier for women in rural areas to obtain prevention services and treatment for addiction, the researchers said.