It is therefore important that families who adopt infants, as well as agency workers and others who place them, be familiar with the growing research about the unique characteristics of these infants. It is also important to be familiar with the kinds of evaluations available which may help you to determine whether or not an infant has been cocaine-exposed, the special needs of these infants, and the intensive parenting that they appear to require. Cocaine Use Increasing Cocaine use has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. At various hospitals across the country, pregnant women have been interviewed about their use of drugs. Several studies also indicate that even when a mother reports she is not using drugs, a urine screen may indicate such use.
Cocaine abuse is thought to be escalating as street prices are dropping.
In addition, teenagers are thought to be younger when they first use the drug. User Reactions Cocaine and amphetamines are both psychomotor stimulants. It lowers anxiety and social inhibitions. If there is no limit on supply, the user may take more of the drug to increase the duration and intensity of these feelings. Experiments with laboratory animals indicate that cocaine is unique among narcotics.