An overview is provided of the effects the AIDS epidemic might have on the provision of services to alcohol and other drug dependent or abusing persons, as well as the serious clinical and ethical issues for health care providers, and the role of drug abuse treatment professionals. The controversial issue of HIV antibody testing is discussed within the realm of chemical dependency treatment programs. An update of AIDS in general, and the current and future trends of AIDS in New York City, specifically, are presented. The debate over the provision of sterile injection equipment to intravenous drug users is addressed, as well as the potential effects of alcohol and drug use on the AIDS epidemic, and the comparison of cognitive impairment due to AIDS and alcohol. Finally, prevention strategies of State agencies and other policies to minimize the transmission of AIDS are discussed.