| Summary: | Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is defined as drug withdrawal symptoms experienced by a neonate upon birth due to maternal drug use during pregnancy. Symptoms can include irritability, poor sucking, hypertonia, low birth weight and seizures. NAS occurs most commonly with maternal opioid use, but can occur with other substances such as cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamines (including crystal methamphetamine). Maternal drug abuse, both licit and illicit, has been growing in Canada. Mothers who use methamphetamines in pregnancy tend to be younger, have lower levels of education, lower socioeconomic status, are more likely to drink and smoke during pregnancy, and have less prenatal care prior to child birth. Pregnant persons who abuse drugs and their children are often a vulnerable group and require extra care and treatment. Care for NAS due to opioids usually includes non-pharmacological treatment and pharmacological treatments, but standardization of care is difficult as symptoms of withdrawal may differ between neonates. The purpose of this report is to examine recent literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of NAS due to crystal methamphetamine
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