Research on the role of alcoholism and opiate addiction in child abuse and neglect is reviewed, and a study of the adequacy of child care in families of 200 alcohol or opiate addicted parents is reported. Demographic data is included, and incidence and characteristics of physical and sexual abuse and neglect are reported. Sex of the addicted parent distinguished between families in which there is no maltreatment, as did availability of financial and social supports. Among summary notes listed are the conclusions that most alcoholic or opiate addicted parents did not physically or sexually abuse their children; 42% of the addicted parents had been recipients of physical abuse during childhood; children were neglected in all families with addicted parents, although in most instances the neglect was considered mild; and despite differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, children were abused or neglected equally often in families with an alcoholic or opiate addicted parent. (CL)