Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Strategies for Care of the Drug-Exposed Infant

Abstract
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a clinical condition that has been recognized for over 30 years, remains a significant clinical issue, although our knowledge of abstinence, its treatment, and outcome continues to grow. The condition is now complicated by polydrug use (which is becoming more prevalent) as well as concomitant use of tobacco, and psychoactive substances that are frequently prescribed to pregnant women. This article reviews the neonatal effects of a variety of substances, discusses the state of the art for clinical care of drug-exposed infants, including NAS patients, and updates the reader on areas of current research.