Inmate addicts receive 30 or 40 mgs of methadone per day instead of being detoxified. Inmates are referred to specially designed KEEP community-based programs for continued methadone treatment and evaluation for long-term care after their release. They are counseled about behavior that reduces the risk of transmitting or contracting the AIDS virus and are advised of the need to report to community treatment to maintain their stabilization. They are also referred to social service agencies for assistance after release. KEEP has the potential to reduce the risk of relapse to drug use after release from jail, to curtail drug-related crime, and to decrease the use of contaminated needles that may transmit the AIDS virus. Although concerns were initially raised about jail security, violent behavior, and widespread diversion of methadone, none of these problems has emerged under the regimen. Criteria for admission to KEEP are listed.