In general, current research findings have revealed a link between child maltreatment and drug use. However, the number of studies focusing on the connection between child abuse and drug use and misuse are limited, and many have methodological weaknesses. These weaknesses include the use of vastly different definitions of abuse, widely differing research samples, the overuse of clinical samples and populations involved in the legal system, and a tendency to focus exclusively on one gender or ethnic group. Variability also exists in the measurement of abuse, lack of controls for potential mediating or moderating variables such as family environment, the lack of prospective longitudinal data, and the emphasis on descriptive rather than theoretical research. Nevertheless, the findings of a significant connection between child abuse and subsequent drug use indicate the need for drug treatment programs to include a thorough assessment of a history of physical and sexual abuse in their intake procedures and to train personnel on incorporating abuse issues into treatment programs. Addressing both child abuse and drug abuse problems may result in improved treatment success. Further research is also needed on several topics. 59 references (Author abstract modified)