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When most parents talk about drugs, they voice some of their greatest fears and concerns. And their apprehension is well justified: The 1990s began with an increase in the popularity of drugs.

Over time, many people's repertoires of coping and problem solving skills have narrowed to substance abuse as their single, over-generalized means of coping with problems. Others think they have good problem solving skills but, when confronted with a problem, are likely to act impulsively.

Craving is a difficult problem for many cocaine and other drug abusers. Episodes of intense subjective craving are often reported weeks and even months after the inception of abstinence. This experience can be both mystifying and disturbing to the abuser and can result in abuse if it is not understood and managed effectively.

A major issue for many cocaine and other drug abusers is reducing availability of substances and effectively refusing offers. This article includes sections on reducing availability, refusal skills, and a review of general assertiveness skills.

Cognitive-behavioral coping skills treatment (CBT) is a short-term, focused approach to helping cocaine-dependent individuals become abstinent from cocaine and other substances.