Drug selling and business has expanded dramatically in economic importance, the cocaine economy has become a major factor in the inner-city and is a major employer of otherwise unemployable youths. Drug use and selling has had substantial impact on the economy and subculture of the criminal underclass. The economic importance of the drug trade has increased the systematic use of violence by dealers; drug selling organizations can be found in most inner-city neighborhoods. Family formation, child rearing, and responsible parenting are very difficult if not impossible during daily use of hard drugs. Children of substance abusers are at high risk for similar outcomes as they grow up. 170 references