Chronic Drug Users as Parents

Authors

Judy Howard

Abstract

In her Essay Dr. Howard presents a progressive overview of parental drug and alcohol abuse. The Essay surveys general trends in substance abuse, and discusses the chemically dependent lifestyle. Highlighting the disparity between children with developmental problems who are being raised in chemically dependent families and those growing up in families where substance abuse is not an issue, Dr. Howard explains how newborn behavior and developmental patterns of older children are influenced by environmental as well as biological factors. She concludes that comprehensive and coordinated services must be provided by those who work with chemically dependent families and suggests an interdisciplinary model that would maintain a balance between the needs of the chemically dependent parent and those of the prenatally substance exposed child.

Recommended Citation

Judy Howard, Chronic Drug Users as Parents, 43 Hastings L.J. 645 (1992).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_law_journal/vol43/iss3/6