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Drug exposure question

raecheleblue1raecheleblue1 member
in Adoption

When we did our home study, we left it fairly open to accepting some drug exposre.  Now that we are able to be seen to situations though, we are really struggling with what we think is ok.  We've talked extensively with our close friend who is a doctor and done a lot of research, but I was wondering if you ladies would be willing to share your experiences.  How did you decide how open you were?  We're there specific drugs that you absolutely said no to?  If you've adopted a baby who was drug exposed, how were the first few weeks/now?  

I realize this is a very personal topic, so I sincerely TIA 

TTC since March 2010, BFP #1 11.09.10, ectopic, m/c 12.14.10 (10w)
Clomid + TI=BFN, IUIs 1-6= BFN
Application for domestic adoption submitted 4/18/12, matched 8/12/12, DD born 10/31/12


 

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Re: Drug exposure question

  • JennaNAaronJennaNAaron member
    Sending you a PM

    ~*Jenna*~


    TTC since November 2009.

    Currently licensed foster parents with the hope of adopting!  Also pursuing pregnancy through IUI!  First IUI scheduled 10/3/13


    Currently loving our placements:

    A 1/08

    C 4/11

    K 6/12


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  • Dr.LorettaDr.Loretta member

    We went over the different options with our dr. He told us what he thought were dealbreakers and what he thought would be less concerning. We used that information and a little bit of online research to make our decisions. We said no to most drugs actually. DD's BM turned out to only be a social drinker, so we didn't have experience with any other drugs.

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  • raecheleblue1raecheleblue1 member

    imageJennaNAaron:
    Sending you a PM

    Back at you.  Thank you! 

    TTC since March 2010, BFP #1 11.09.10, ectopic, m/c 12.14.10 (10w)
    Clomid + TI=BFN, IUIs 1-6= BFN
    Application for domestic adoption submitted 4/18/12, matched 8/12/12, DD born 10/31/12


     

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  • silliestbunnysilliestbunny member

    With adoption, I think open discussions like this are very helpful and not too personal :)  I know we struggled quite a bit.

    We were always okay w/marijuana.   We opened ourselves to situational cocaine use.  We were not okay w/meth or heroin. 

    One of the distinctions we considered was the typical use for some of these drugs.  Are they drugs that are so highly addictive it's not reasonable to think someone might have had a slip up or "party" with them. 

    Another consideration was the total story... was the BM in a place where it served her to lie about using.  An example would be a young mom living at home w/her parents who might not fess up to everything.  Or did we believe this woman was being upfront w/the entire story.

    Lastly, keep in mind that most studies you will review on children who were exposed in utero are studies w/children that were not adopted at birth.   So the studies might look at a child who remained in the home or in a non-permanent situation which also could have a role in development.

      FWIW-  we started out completely closed to drug usage.  We then opened up as our wait grew long.  In the end, neither of our BM reported using at all... and I do believe them.  I am so glad, though, that we did our homework and learned as we went so we could make informed decisions and were open to as much as possible.

    One last thought-- our pediatrician was great w/us.  She reminded us that all of these children need homes.... and we, as a couple, were well equipped as educated people to parent a child that might have issues related to drug exposure.  We always kept that thought close to our hearts as we discussed situations.

    image Best friends and sisters... 24 months and 16 months
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  • mommytoconnormommytoconnor member
    I adopted my son from foster care and he was exposed to cocaine at birth.  Alot of things don't show up until a little later on, like 2 years or so, however, with my LO, he had problems with sleeping, which we worked thru.  Then he was diagnosed with SPD (sensory processing disorder) at 22 months old.  To clarify what fredalina said, however, SPD doesn't have to include any developmental delays to have an SPD diagnosis, nor does it have anything to do with thier IQ. My son was also ahead on developmental milestones as well, and is extremely smart, but has sensory needs that need to be met.  Most people who are very well versed in SPD will tell you that the behaviors are a challenge, but there are a lot of things you can do to help (I would refer you to special needs board). They don't know if the drug exposure causes SPD, but it is believed to have a large effect. 
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