Basic information is provided on substance abuse, addiction, biological and environmental risk factors, and phsiological, mental health, and social outcomes. The author presents implications for working with families, including the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on early childhood development, and assessment and intervention strategies for childern affectd by cocaine as infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Also the effects of maternal alcohol use during preganancy and effective interventions for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects. Two appendices consist of an annotated bibliography of parent-infant interaction assessment instruments and additional resources, such as hotlines, information centers, books and curriculum materials.