This book is the first of two volumes designed to highlight and integrate current knowledge about drug dependent women, with a focus on needed services and appropriate delivery systems, as well as to provide useful information for counselors and treatment program developers. The special problems, needs, and characteristics of women drug abusers are discussed. Attention is given to the roles of age, cultural background, social class, drugs of choice, and differing lifestyles in terms of their effects on women's attitudes and behavior. The first of 11 chapters in this book provides an introduction to intervention strategies for drug dependent women. Chapter Two reviews literature, research data, and findings about women and drugs. Chapter Three outlines the components of a comprehensive intake and diagnostic process. Chapter Four describes the five roles of counselors who work with chemically dependent women. Chapter Five deals with referrals and developing community linkages. Chapters Six and Seven focus on health and medical issues. Vocational rehabilitation and employment development are described in Chapter Eight, and family therapy approaches are reviewed in Chapter Nine. The final two chapters deal with the chemically dependent woman and her children. Childcare services and parenting education are also discussed. (NRB)