Prescription Abuse is a Growing Problem in SoCal Even Among the Youngest

The prescription drug epidemic is not only destroying lives all over the country but doctors say right here in southern california.

Now, continuing in our health smart series, Cher Calvin is here with an in-depth look at the tiniest of addicts.

According to the American Medical Association, there has been a sharp and dramatic increase of prescription drug abuse in pregnant women making newborns the new generation of drug addicts.

Last night we introduced you to a pregnant mother trapped in the throws of opiate addiction Now, what doctors expect for her unborn baby.

I never would have thought I would have picked up a drug while I was pregnant, says Shaina Kenny.

But with two kids at home and another one on the way Kenny did her prescription drug of choice roxycodone, also called Roxies.

It wasnt like I was going out on the streets buying heroin or cocaine. I thought is was OK because Im getting them prescribed. This is medicine.

For years, the 24-year old was unable to break free from the stranglehold of opiates until the small voice of her three year old daughter inspired the pregnant mother to seek help.

We were leaving to go run an errand one night which is what we called it, Kenny says, and she looked at me and started crying and said I dont want you to run errands no more and I turned the car around and went home.

After checking in to Forterus rehab, Kennys under gone extensive doctor visits and ultra-sounds so far, all test results reveal a healthy baby.

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Prescription Abuse is a Growing Problem in SoCal Even Among the Youngest