In the past 15-20 years drug use in U.S. society has increased among women of childbearing age. Therefore, the task facing multidisciplinary professionals (physicians, social workers, psychologists, drug rehabilitation workers) is much more comprehensive than ever before. All practitioners need to understand the service provided to women in recovery and their families. Substance abuse undermines normal patterns of interaction and alters commitment priorities. Similarities present in substance abusing families may include poor parenting skills, unreasonably high expectations for their children, lack of supervision, lax/coercive disciplinary techniques, social isolation, lack of cohesion, family psychological problems, antisocial behaviors, stress, and conflict. An individual raised in a dysfunctional (alcoholic, substance abusing, abusive) family develops characteristics of rigidity, silence, denial, and isolation. Recovery and rehabilitation from cocaine and/or other licit and illicit substance abuse may include programs incorporating all or some of the following methods: detoxification from the substance(s); individual and group psychotherapy; family support and intervention; vocational and/or educational preparation; parent-skill training; early intervention programs for drug-exposed young children; and Twelve Step Support Groups. Although some maternal addicts seek voluntary rehabilitation for their illness, others are involuntarily retained by the judicial system. Problematic conditions place cocaine/polydrug exposed young children at high risk for organismic (related to birth) and environmental stressors (caregiving), and synergistically magnify vulnerability to the perpetuated, generational dysfunction. (Four case studies are included). (ABL)