A study was conducted among 1,000 drug users in New Jersey in 1984, in which detailed knowledge-assessment questionnaires were completed. More than 95 percent of those surveyed knew that IV drug users were at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV. Ninety percent were aware of the more severe symptoms of AIDS. Seventy-six percent knew that a great majority of those diagnosed with AIDS would die within 2 years after diagnosis. Approximately 1 year later, a similar knowledge assessment of IV drug users was conducted among 577 clients in similar drug abuse treatment programs in New Jersey. Results indicated a continued awareness of AIDS in the drug-using community. However, respondents were only aware of some of the methods to sterilize drug paraphernalia. More than 33 percent thought that once someone was exposed to the AIDS virus they would appear physically ill. An apparent lack of recognition of the rapidly progressive fatal course of AIDS was detected in both the 1984 and 1985 surveys. As a result of these findings, the New Jersey State Department of Health initiated a series of innovative strategies for educating drug users about HIV diseases. One involves recruiting and training indigenous health workers to initiate conversations with drug users near 'shooting galleries.' The core message communicated is a description of what AIDS is and how it is transmitted. Nearly 1 in 6 drug users, in a 1985 survey, indicated that they had received some information about AIDS from the workers. Other sources of information were television, radio, and newspapers. 2 exhibits and 6 references.