By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—Alicia Douglas McClain, 36, was sentenced on May 8 to eight years and six months in prison, after entering pleading guilty to chemical endangerment of a child.

As part of the plea agreement, McClain must submit to random drug and alcohol screens, successfully complete a substance abuse treatment program and pay $599 in restitution, according to court documents.

McClain was arrested by police on March 6 after “knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally” allowing the child to “ingest or inhale, or to have contact with” benzodiazepine and buprenorphine on or about Jan. 20.

Benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug, which is in many prescription drugs such as Xanax and Valium. The FDA has categorized benzodiazepine as a category D drug, which means that potential for harm in the unborn has been demonstrated.  Buprenorphine is a prescription drug, which treats moderate to severe chronic pain. The FDA has categorized buprenorphine as a category C drug, which means that risk on the unborn cannot be ruled out during pregnancy.

At the time of the child’s birth the infant child and his mother tested positive for both drugs. The infant child was hospitalized following the birth.

McClain received no prenatal care during the pregnancy, but appeared at the emergency room on multiple occasions, according to documents. In addition, McClain has given birth on eight prior occasions, but is the custodial parent of no children, according to court documents.