The booklet opens with a discussion of the risks involved in drugtaking, including the variability in damaging effects from one person to another, interaction between drugs, damage to the fetuses of pregnant drug users, diseases (including HIV infection) from injection, and damage to the immune system. The relation between drug use and unsafe sex is also examined. Patterns of drug use -- experimental, recreational, dependent -- are reviewed, followed by a discussion of how to care for drug users. Suggestions for caring for drug users in the clinical and counseling settings focus on dealing with those who have or are at risk of the AIDS virus. A chapter on helping drug users and their families addresses medical services, advice and counseling, residential services, community and self-help groups, and special responses that take into account HIV and AIDS. The concluding chapter lists British organizations that can help drug users and their families. 6 suggestions for further reading.