Epidemiological data indicate that intravenous drug users are an increasing proportion of all AIDS cases and a particularly high percentage for females and minorities; needle sharing is the problematic activity. In addition, the secondary spread of HIV infection affects the children of drug-using mothers and the sexual partners of male drug users. Recent Federal policy toward drug abuse has focused on prevention that emphasizes "just say no," community-based rather than federally funded treatment, reduction of research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and expansion of interdiction and other supply-reduction strategies. However, the AIDS epidemic has resulted in increased funding for research on AIDS in intravenous drug users. Risk reduction has also received emphasis. Future policy and program efforts must recognize the illegality of drug use and the role of needle sharing. 59 reference notes