Although there has been a significant amount of research on the families of drug abusers, this field has encountered a number of obstacles to its continued growth. Some of these problems include an emphasis of research on opiate use, methodological hindrances, and lack of a constituency. A review of two concurrent national processes, the White House Conference on the Family and the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, demonstrates the growing concern of families with the drug abuse problem. Increasing governmental interest in viewing drug abuse from a family perspective and a growing literature base indicate that philosophies, values, methodologies, and even bureaucracies may now be contributing to the emerging acceptance of the family and drug field as a legitimate and essential area of research. (Author/JAC)