As part of the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1982-84), prevalences of marijuana, cocaine, inhalant, and sedative use were examined among Hispanic Americans, aged 12-74. This report analyzes data on 3,394 Mexican-Americans in the Southwest, 1,286 Puerto Ricans in the New York City area, and 555 Cuban-Americans in the Miami area,…

Statistical data illustrate the incidence of babies who have been prenatally exposed to cocaine. The damaging effects of maternal cocaine use on the fetus, infant, and young child are described, including: (1) prenatal strokes, malformed kidneys and limbs, and deformed hearts and lungs; (2) physical problems, social and emotional problems, and…

Substance use by American young people remains a major concern for the nation. Smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, both during adolescence and across the life course. How vigorously the nation responds to teenage substance use, how accurately it identifies the substance abuse problems that are…

Reviews findings about effective treatment for cocaine addiction based on experience in a Beverly Hills out-patient clinic. Describes various therapeutic approaches, emphasizing that one of the most important components of successful treatment is tailoring programs to the needs of individual patients as they progress through the stages of…

Compared secondary school students who used cocaine (N=411) or crack (N=156). Found that crack users were younger than cocaine users, made poorer grades, were more depressed, and were more likely alienated from family and friends. Crack and cocaine users were equally unlikely to confide in anyone in their school if they had drinking or drug…

This study examined stages of drug habit acquisition and change among college students, basing the proposed stages of drug use on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages prevention model. Surveys indicated the model helped explain the stages of substance use. The proportion of youths at each stage differed by type of drug. (SM)

Early intervention personnel (n=179), who were shown videotapes of two 24-month-old male children (one who had been exposed prenatally to cocaine and one not), were told that both children were exposed, one was exposed and one not, or neither was cocaine-exposed. Being labelled negatively affected the way the child was perceived. (Author/JDD)

Explored the criteria for placement decisions used by child protection workers in three suburban Chicago counties with regard to infants who have been exposed to cocaine. Content analyses uncovered a complex decision-making process that demonstrated consistency across geographic regions. Several primary factors influenced decisions for in-home or…

This paper examines physiological and ecological issues involved in the deficits and disabilities of children prenatally exposed to cocaine. It discusses the extent of the problem, physiological effects of cocaine, risks to pregnant women and their babies, long-term effects, and implications for research and intervention. (Author/JDD)

Assessed substance use and levels of perceived family cohesion and adaptability of high school freshmen (N=1,082). Found adolescents who perceived families as extreme on cohesion and adaptability were more prone than adolescents from balanced and midrange families to use substances. Found adolescents from extreme families especially vulnerable…

Examined arousal regulation as a function of levels of prenatal cocaine exposure in 4-month-olds, using a "still face" procedure. Found that, independent of several other factors, a greater percentage of heavily cocaine-exposed infants, compared to unexposed infants, showed less enjoyment during "en face" play with their mothers and continued to…

This study examined the quality of caregiver-child interaction using the Parent/Caregiver Involvement Scale with 41 preschoolers (who were prenatally exposed to cocaine) and 39 nonexposed preschoolers. Both biological mothers and foster caregivers of exposed children were significantly less emotionally and developmentally appropriate in…

High school students (N=1,515) in Massachusetts were surveyed about whether participation in athletics promoted a healthier lifestyle and decreased use of recreational drugs. Participation in athletics did promote a healthier lifestyle and athletes were significantly less likely to use cocaine, psychedelic drugs, or smoke cigarettes. However, work…

This report presents the first results from the 1994 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, showing trends since the 1970s and providing information to identify population groups for which prevention and treatment interventions could have greatest impact. These preliminary results indicate that the number of illicit drug users has not changed…

This report discusses the use of cocaine throughout history; the introduction of crack cocaine in the early 1980s; its use by pregnant women; and the resulting impact on their infants, including premature births, deformities, and impaired neurological functioning. Studies which show that the neurological impairments continue into at least early…