5.+Conclusion

= There is still hope... =

__ Success Stories __
With all of this discouraging information about the behavioral, cognitive and physical effects of cocaine on infants who are exposed in utero, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Children from the 1980s and 1990s who were born from crack-addicted mothers now share success stores; the public had no hope for these children, and they were expected to grow up as "super predators" (Vargas, 2010). But one man, Jeff, did not even know that he was born from a crack-addicted mother until later in life, and he felt no lasting effects except for his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Vargas, 2010). He said, "I don't see other kids doing things that I don't see myself capable of doing (p. 3)." To read this inspirational success story from the Washington Post, click here.



__ Current Research __
Research is still making strides with this topic. Eriksen (2010) shares a story in Medical News Today, that Deborah Frank received a grant to study the long-term impacts of prenatal cocaine exposure and individual resilience to such impacts. The longitudinal study will be looking at up to 150 participants from ages 18-24 who had been followed since birth. Frank says, "We are working to identify the factors that can foster resilience, which could yield important public health interventions." It is studies like these that can bring us one step closer to discovering the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure, and also discovering what kind of help is available for these children. For a link to the full article by Eriksen (2010), click here.

__How to Help __
Davies (n.d.) says there are many different ways you can help a child dealing with a drug exposure in the household and/or in-utero cocaine exsposure. The school counsellor or teacher must make an encouraging work environment for the child. They can also provide classroom guidance lessons on topics such as individual problem solving, self control, and life skills. As well, they can provide outlets for these children to explore and openly express anger, fear, or pain, and can use a variety of methods such as discussion, activities, role play, and art to reduce negative feelings of isolation, guilt, or worthlessness.

There are also many agencies where mothers can go for help, support, and medical attention if they are about to give birth and/or have given birth to babies that have been exsposed to cocaine in-utero. If mothers are worried that their child may have been exsposed to cocaine in-utero, according to doctors at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, "The first test should be urinalysis for cocaine. If results are positive, you do not need more. If negative, the hair test is your best choice" (Klein, 1997). There are many support groups all around the GTA and the world for families dealing with addiction and mothers dealing with FAS, in-utero drug abuse, and many other mental and physical incapabilities.

Mothers with children that have been exposed to cocaine in-utero should seek professional help from places like Sick Kids in Toronto (Klein, 1997). Doctors here specialize in child care and will help the mother the best they possibly can for the infant or child's benifit and for the mother's satisfaction that her child may live a healthy happy life. To contact Sick Kids Hospital, **call (416) 813-5780.**

__Remember, there is hope! __
In conclusion: Perhaps we are too quick to judge crack babies? Chandler and Lane (1996) claim "A 'rush to judgment' with an assumption that all drug exposed children will do poorly is not appropriate. Toxins and teratogens, such as cocaine and alcohol, **do not affect all exposed offspring**, and there are clear i**ndividual differences** and variability in the effects that do occur (p. 57)." We should not write off those exposed to cocaine prenatally; rather, we should recognize possible individual variability and try to help them reach their full potential.