Prenatal cocaine exposure. Consequences for child and family

Addictive, affordable and accessible crack cocaine has become epidemic in Florida's small towns and rural areas as well as large cities. Because of increases in the estimates of newborns prenatally exposed to cocaine, public concern has been aroused about the effects, and wide media coverage has not always been scientifically supported. Studies dispel some myths, support concern, and leave unanswered questions about long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Separating the effects on development of crack cocaine, other risk factors, and the caregiver environment is difficult. Strategies to identify pregnant drug users and facilitate cooperation in treatment and research protocols are suggested; related legal and ethical issues are raised. Drug use prevention and treatment needs of pregnant and postpartum women and children are outlined. To maintain hope for exposed infants and their families is a challenge. A loving, nurturing and teaching environment is essential in fulfilling a child's potential, and solutions that help provide that environment should be the goal of health-care providers, educators, politicians, and citizens.