Wisconsin sees increase in babies born addicted to opiates

Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Department of Children and Families shows that the number of babies born with opiate addiction in Wisconsin increased by 125 percent between 2009 and 2014.

The increase in heroin use is the result of the crack down on methamphetamine production in 2005, as well as restrictions on the amount of opiate-based pain relievers prescribed by physicians and the rise in cheap supplies of heroin, according to Renee Krueger, director of Lincoln County Department of Social Services.

"Some of these babies will do just fine, but if a baby goes home with the mother and the mom continues to abuse drugs and the baby is neglected or there are other environmental factors such as second-hand smoke or poor nutrition, it's not a great prognosis," she said.

"If a pregnant woman tests positive for illicit drugs, it needs to be reported, but we want the woman to get help during her pregnancy and following the birth of her child so that there is a good outcome for both the mom and baby," she said.