Two approaches were used to estimate the amount of illicit drugs consumed and available for consumption in the United States. Estimates of the number of drug users were multiplied by estimates of the average amount of drugs consumed. Then the supply of drugs available for consumption was examined by estimating the amount of drugs that enters the…

Twenty-four children, ages 14 to 50 months, with a history of prenatal exposure to multiple drugs including cocaine but living in stable drug-free environments were tested. Comparison with non-exposed children found significant differences between groups on two of three standardized tests of language development, with almost half of the exposed…

Advocates the use of criminal prosecution of pregnant women who abuse illegal substances. Discusses the views that use of drugs is a form of illness and that pregnant women should be exempt from laws. Concludes that court supervision and sanctions can improve treatment. Argues that punishment and treatment need not be mutually exclusive and…

Among 3,907 seventh-twelfth grade students in rural Illinois, ages at first use for alcohol, tobacco, and drugs were lower than national averages. Specific drug and alcohol education programs should be implemented before age of first use for 10 percent of students. Contains 20 references and 3 data tables. (SV)

Interviews were conducted with 49 foster parents, teachers, and others who have worked closely with 284 children known to have been exposed to crack or cocaine in the womb. Many of the children exhibited impulsive behavior and inability to understand cause, effect, and consequences. Lists resources. (MLF)

Ten infants, 2 to 11 months of age, who tested positive for cocaine at birth, were assessed by means of the Battelle Developmental Inventory and a questionnaire administered to the infants' foster parents. Seven of the infants evidenced measurable delays that legally (in California) mandated intervention. The most effective caretaking behaviors…

Overall drug use by Indian and non-Indian youth increased from 1975 to the early 1980s, then declined. Indian youth were consistently more involved with drugs than were non-Indians. Longitudinal data suggest a recent decline in drug use resulting from moderate users shifting to nonuse, but not heavy users. (SV)

Explored physical and emotional health status of 71 African-American grandmothers raising their grandchildren as result of crack cocaine involvement of children's parents. Comparison of self-assessed health ratings with qualitative responses revealed tendency for respondents to downplay their own health problems and symptoms. (Author/NB)

The media have sensationalized the problem presented by children exposed prenatally to cocaine. Many people erroneously assume that all cocaine-exposed children are severely affected; little can be done for them; and all their medical, behavioral, and learning problems are caused by cocaine exposure. Each child must be individually evaluated. Not…

Describes the patterns of literacy development in children from stable home environments who were prenatally exposed to crack or cocaine. Finds that the children continued to develop in an age-appropriate manner, with only seven children receiving special education support. Concludes with a case study highlighting the importance of classroom…

Assesses the effects of a sixth- and seventh-grade substance-abuse-prevention program in the twelfth-grade year. Questionnaires administered to students who had completed the two-year intervention and students with no intervention (N=262) showed that the effects evident in seventh grade had not been maintained through twelfth grade. (Author/MKA)

Reviews clinical issues relating to addiction (particularly cocaine) and family systems, outlining their impact on developmental and behavioral outcomes for children. Preliminary studies of children prenatally exposed to cocaine suggests the majority are of low-average to average intelligence, but suffer from distractibility, impulsivity,…

Examines whether crack-exposed children are necessarily doomed for failure and why specialized educational policies and programs are necessary. Reviews relevant research and explores implications of early-intervention and school-based programs. Punitive policies against crack users have displaced need for policy work in education. (Conatains 48…

This study determined whether long-term abstinence reinforcement could maintain cocaine abstinence throughout a yearlong period. Patients who injected drugs and used cocaine during methadone treatment (n = 78) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 abstinence-reinforcement groups or to a usual care control group. Participants in the 2…

This report offers data on juvenile drug use and crime so as to increase understanding of the dimensions of drug use among youthful offenders. The report includes information from collaborative efforts at both the Federal and the local levels. Data on male juvenile arrestees and detainees were collected in 12 Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) sites…