The issue has been inappropriately dichotomized as a conflict between public health agendas and the traditional priorities of drug treatment. The relevant issues include the existence of evidence for needle-sharing as a route of transmission of HIV among intravenous drug users, the role of needle scarcity as a factor promoting needle-sharing behavior and evidence for the ability of drug users to change such behavior, and the possibility of increased needled availability leading to increased prevalence of intravenous drug abuse. Also, there is the possibility that the provision of sterile needles would compromise treatment efforts among drug abusers currently or potentially engaged in the treatment system. A multilevel strategy for AIDS prevention among drug users is suggested, addressing both the availability of sterile injection equipment and the promotion of drug treatment goals. 10 notes. (Author abstract modified).