More than 1,600 newborns in Scotland with drug dependence since 2017, figures show

More than 1,600 babies have been born dependent on drugs since 2017, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Freedom of information requests showed at least 1,633 newborns in Scotland have received treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

NAS results in a number of symptoms in a newborn baby which is withdrawing from addictive substances taken by the mother during pregnancy.

Symptoms can start within a few days of birth and include uncontrollable trembling, sickness, poor weight gain and a continuous high-pitched cry.

As part of their deal to support the last Scottish budget at the start of 2025, the Lib Dems secured a £1 million commitment towards specialist support for babies born addicted to drugs.

Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “It is difficult to imagine a worse start to life than a newborn suffering from drug dependency.

“These figures are devastating, but an important reminder of the dreadful harms caused by Scotland’s drugs emergency – a crisis that has exploded on the SNP’s watch.

“By Nicola Sturgeon’s own admission, the SNP took their ‘eye off the ball’ and after the cuts she unleashed, services have been struggling to cope.”

He added: “Scottish Liberal Democrats have a realistic plan to deliver the first-rate drug services this country deserves, including a network of safer drug consumption rooms and investment in the local services best placed to stop people dying.”

Drugs and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd said: “No newborn baby should be born dependent on substances and mothers should be able to get the help they need, free from judgment and stigma.

“We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able to access the support they need.

“We have provided record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, and are widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.

“We want to do more to save and improve lives and will continue to work hard to improve services.”