Intravenous drug users now account for about 25 percent of the cases of AIDS. The rapid spread of HIV in this risk group and the fact that intravenous drug users are a source for heterosexual and perinatal transmission underscore the need for immediate intervention. In addition, many drug addicts are poor, have limited career possibilities, and lack health insurance, which leaves the cost of hospitalization and treatment to the public sector. In the absence of a vaccine or an effective chemotherapy, efforts to prevent the spread of HIV must be focused on education, behavior modification, and drug treatment. Drug treatment programs with a strong emphasis on HIV education should be available to all drug users. To prevent the spread of HIV, Federal, State, and local resources will be needed in conjunction with a community infrastructure dedicated to stopping drugs, providing effective drug treatment, and educating active drug users on methods of AIDS prevention. Interventions for active intravenous drug users should include teaching them safer sex practices and encouraging them to seek drug treatment and stop needle sharing, in addition, they should receive information about needle disinfection and access to sterile needles. Photograph, figures, and 128 reference notes. (Author abstract modified)