Substance Abuse and Early Development

Substance abuse in the form of tobacco, alcohol, drug, or chemical misuse affects the entire family. Besides devastating consequences on relationship dynamics, substance abuse by prospective parents has an invisible target - the progeny. While consequences of some substance use (such as alcohol) on early and fetal development are well known, others are less studied. This Special Issue aims at describing recent advances in our understanding of how maternal and paternal substance abuse affects early development of progeny. The substance abuse may happen before or after conception. Consequences of embryonic and fetal exposure to substance abuse observed after birth are also of interest. Original work performed in model organisms and laboratory animals is welcomed. Clinical observations and epidemiological studies are also at focus. There is no limitation with regards to methodological approaches used and cell types, organs, or physiological systems under study. The overarching goal of this Special Issue is to create a comprehensive collection of articles that reflect current knowledge in the field of substance abuse and early development. Submission of an abstract is not necessary.

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