Examines history of substance abuse treatment for women; identifies barriers to treatment access; and explores socioeconomic, clinical, and systemic issues in the treatment of alcohol- and drug-dependent women. Gives special attention to the effects of substance abuse on women's relationships as daughters, partners, and parents and to its role in…

Describes dimensions of current cocaine problem in United States, drug treatment models, and cocaine treatment effectiveness and outcome. Analyzes research on effectiveness of specific drug treatments, including women-sensitive services. Notes that recommended treatment approaches incorporate variety of rehabilitative services and call for social…

Reviews the status of women who abuse drugs and proposes considerations for treatment design. General concerns stress the importance of a well formulated treatment philosophy, encourage treatment of women with varying drug related dependencies together, and advocates the utilization of female professional staff in most instances. (Author)

Explores the following policy approaches to drug use by pregnant women: (1) criminal prosecution of the mother; (2) allegations of child neglect against the mother with interruption of custody; and (3) drug treatment. Discusses whether each reduces drug use during pregnancy or improves maternal and infant health and well-being. (JS)