The Opioid Crisis: A Child’s Fight and a Mother’s Gain

By: Robin Adams , Adoptive Mother

Summary:

Robin Adams tells of the challenges and joys of adopting a baby affected by his birth mother’s opioid use.

The drug test came back positive for opioids and the needle puncture sites in the young, pregnant woman’s arms were infected. At just 92 pounds, neither she nor her unborn child were benefiting from any nutritional intake. She returned to her OB/GYN six weeks later, keeping few prenatal appointments in total. When she returned, she was prepared; she had another person’s urine in her purse. But she fooled no one, and her physician offered to help her find treatment and recommended a facility where she could receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medical care. She denied her drug use and rejected the referral.