The study was conducted by interview in May and June 1985 at a methadone treatment program and a narcotic detoxification unit in a detention facility in New York City. The purpose of this was to compare one group of current and former drug users with another group closer to the world of the street addict. A total of 261 people, (146 at methadone site and 115 at detention facility), were interviewed, with most in their early thirties, nonwhite, poorly educated, and unemployed. Subjects at both sites showed a great deal of personal concern about AIDS, with 77 percent indicating that they were worried about getting AIDS. Sixty-one percent indicated newspapers or magazines as a major source of information about AIDS with 40 percent indicating the same for television/radio. Subjects at both sites did well on basic knowledge questions and had a universal recognition of the AIDS risks associated with needle sharing. Sixty-three percent had either stopped IV drug use entirely or stopped needle-sharing due to concerns about AIDS. The reason most commonly given for continued needle-sharing was characterized as the need to inject drugs with no clean needle being available. The second most common reason was that needle-sharing was done only with a close friend or relative. Drug treatment facilities need to be expanded to increase the possibility for AIDS education as well as provide an accessible alternative to ongoing uncontrolled needle use. Also, the issue of access to sterile needles and syringes should be addressed. 2 tables and 14 references.