Cocaine:

Abstract

The dramatic rise in cocaine use in the 1980s has prompted increased concern on the part of clinicians for both the user and, if the user is a woman of child-bearing age, for the developing fetus. The impact of prenatal cocaine exposure on the newborn has been repeatedly documented,^1-6 and plans for intervention are beginning to be developed for these newborns and their caregivers which may be of some help in getting through initial crises.⁷ The long-term impact is presently poorly articulated. Although anecdotal reports of developmental concerns in prenatally exposed children at preschool and school age are available, and expectations for developmental deviations exist, research reports are not available to support these contentions. Understanding the actions of cocaine, and the implications of cocaine use, may assist parents and professionals in being realistic in both predictions and expectations. This article provides a summary of these issues.