DURHAM — From 2005 to 2015 the number of infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome in the Granite State increased fivefold, from 52 to 269, according to new research by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. In 2015, newborns diagnosed with NAS remained in the hospital 12 days on average, compared to three days for newborns not born exposed.

“In 2015, 2.4 percent of New Hampshire births were diagnosed with NAS and that number is projected to rise,” said Kristin Smith, family demographer at the Carsey School and research associate professor of sociology. “This will have implications for early intervention programs, early education programs and primary schools. Pregnancy is a time to reach out to mothers as they are more receptive to services and making a change.”

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