How many of you out there would hold a gun to your child’s head and play Russian Roulette? For those of you who do not know, Russian Roulette is where a person takes a gun with one bullet and takes a chance (a very stupid and dangerous one) on whether the bullet is in the chamber when he pulls the trigger. Did my question seem a little harsh? Well, that is basically what you are doing if you are taking drugs during your pregnancy. 

More and more children are born every year addicted to alcohol or illicit drugs. The effects can vary and can even be life-threatening. Behavioral problems, learning problems, are just the tip of the iceberg for many of these children.

Little Johnny down the street seems a little rough around the edges. He does not play nice and the moms in the neighborhood really do not like their children around him. It really isn’t Johnny’s fault, though. His mom was more interested in drinking and partying and denied her pregnancy to herself for as long as she could. As a result, Johnny was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome along with all its long-term problems.

Little Maria stayed in the hospital for several weeks after she was born. Her mother passed on an addiction to heroin along with her bright blue eyes. As a result of that, Maria cries more than most little ones. Her mother found this out when she was finally released and out of frustration, left her with her grandmother and took off for parts unknown to continue her downward spiral with drugs.

In Texas, you have to really be a bad mother to have your children taken away from you. Starting their lives addicted to alcohol or drugs is a red flag in any CPS situation and if you show true remorse, you will be able to keep your child as long as you follow certain guidelines and prove that you are willing to do what is best for your child.

Children deserve a chance and when they are born with addictions that were passed to them in the womb by their mothers, that chance involves an uphill battle that is not fair. A little bit of honesty on the part of the mother during pregnancy will help a great deal. Everyone will work together to ensure that the child is born with as minimal a risk as possible.

If you are using drugs or drinking, stop immediately when you find out you are pregnant. Be honest with your physician. Be prepared to accept whatever happens. Strive to stay off of drugs and alcohol so your own little Johnny or Maria has a better chance of getting over your addiction. No one else deserves it more than your own little baby, don’t you agree?  Stop playing Russian Roulette with your child’s life.