Analyses of policies toward heroin and of the current American war on drugs have indicated that democratic institutions and human rights are in danger because our leaders have lost their sense of balance over the drug problem. These studies led to proposals to place greater controls on the sale and consumption of currently legal drugs and to place fewer controls on the currently illegal drugs. They also led to the formation of the Drug Policy Foundation in 1987. Although no possibility exists for the legalization of all drugs in the foreseeable future, efforts should focus on a series of small steps that will begin building peaceful relations in an arena torn by conflict and violence. These actions include organizing opposition to extremist officials and policies, providing compassion and help for users and abusers, providing Federal leadership and funds for treatment, making AIDS treatment a top priority, making heroin and marijuana available for sufferers of more traditional diseases like cancer and glaucoma, taking court action on medical and legal issues, and conducting experiments with limited legalization. 6 references.