NAS is infant withdrawal from opiates such as methadone, buprenorphine or heroin. This condition can occur in any baby whose mother has been on methadone, or used heroin or other opiates, during pregnancy. Babies need to be observed in hospital for at least seven days for signs of withdrawal. During this time, babies may be unsettled, have feeding difficulties and require extra comforting from their parents.

Approximately 20% of babies will experience a more difficult withdrawal that requires the baby to stay in hospital longer. These babies are given morphine treatment over a period of about three to four weeks. Some babies require longer treatment. NAS is a condition that can be treated safely and with no long-term effects on babies.