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Expecting parents spend time and money making every attempt to ensure the arrival of a healthy baby, but they may not realize the effects their social activities can have. Addiction to alcohol resulting in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome remains the number one cause for mental retardation.
Research shows children of marijuana-smoking mothers more frequently suffer from permanent cognitive deficits, concentration disorders, hyperactivity and impaired social interactions.
In a society that prides itself on education, information and high-speed technology the question remains how can this occur? Are we educating enough and are we doing it in a way that can be heard and understood by those who are most at risk of having to live with the guilt over doing this level of damage to a child?
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has designated Sunday to May 17 as Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week. This week is a reminder that alcohol and drug use during pregnancy can be detrimental to a mother and her child. One of the most severe outcomes is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which includes facial malformations, growth deficits and central nervous system problems.
Some children exhibit Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders resulting in neurodevelopmental deficits, growth problems and selected birth defects as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure during the first trimester when a mother is unaware of, or in denial about, her pregnancy or the dangers of continued use during the first trimester. These effects can include physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.
The U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Army Substance Abuse Program hosts a training class 10 a.m. May 22 at Landstuhl’s Learning Center. This class will focus on alcohol and other drug-related birth defects with guest speaker, Maj. Enmaria Chacon, LRMC pediatrics outpatient unit.
For details and to reserve a seat, call 486-1710 or e-mail heather.a.robinson.1@us.army.mil. More information can also be found at www.ncadd.org.
