Political strategies to curb these interconnected epidemics involve two traditional approaches. The first strategy, law enforcement and interdiction, is designed to limit the supply of illicit drugs. The second strategy involves reducing the demand for illicit drugs. Supply and demand policies often conflict, and this conflict reduces the effectiveness of drug control programs. The author contends that government should pursue a consistent policy on drug use that explicitly prefers therapeutic and public health goals over law enforcement goals when the two conflict. Such a preference for therapeutic goals is needed because of the seriousness of the AIDS epidemic and because criminal prohibitions and government regulations often render public health measures ineffective. Three strategies are proposed for controlling the spread of AIDS in the drug-dependent population: (1) prevent the sharing of drug injection equipment; (2) ensure that drug-dependent people use sterile injection equipment; and (3) provide medical treatment and rehabilitation. Current drug and AIDS educational policies are discussed, and suggestions for improved education programs are offered that incorporate risk reduction theory and research. Needle exchange programs and laws in the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are reviewed. The issue of whether treatment really works is discussed in relation to methadone maintenance, compulsory versus voluntary treatment, treatment needs versus service availability, cost-effectiveness, the health care system, and the criminal justice system. 326 footnotes