Interviews with 26 seropositive injecting drug users were conducted. Their experiences in relation to hearing the news, communicating the diagnosis to others, current drug use and sexual behavior, and perceptions of the future were examined. Upon hearing the news, some individuals increased their drug use immediately. Most of the drug users were informed of the results impersonally and had to deal with the news on their own. There was considerable variability between different individuals on the topic of informing others depending on individual life styles. The diagnosis of being HIV positive did not, in itself, lead an individual to cease drug use. However, the majority of individuals interviewed were aware of risks to others and were actively seeking ways of reducing that risk. Many of the individuals were pessimistic in their outlook on the future and a significant minority were harboring suicidal thoughts. The variability of responses in relation to each of these areas undermines any single approach to patient or client management. 27 references (Author abstract modified)