After 1989, democratic processes in Bulgaria demanded that individuals face the task of revitalizing moral standards, of promoting changes in value systems, and of finding new ways to reassess the realities of daily life. Disillusion with the totalitarian system among youth created a spiritual vacuum. This has resulted in the increasing use and misuse of alcohol and drugs among juveniles. In this transitional period, control over the sale of alcohol and drugs is weak. There are no clear legislative measures against the diffusion of drugs. At the same time, the lack of legislative measures makes the sale of various kinds of opiates easier. The geographic location of Bulgaria in relation to the traffic routes of drugs from Asia and Africa to central and western Europe favors the use and misuse of drugs in Bulgaria. In 1993, based on the amount of heroin seized, Bulgaria was ranked third in Europe. In recent years, security and customs control on Bulgarian borders have become stronger. International organizations have been established to prevent drug trafficking through Bulgaria and the Balkans; however, the increasing use and misuse of alcohol and drugs in Bulgaria persists. This paper also discusses the increase in HIV infection and AIDS in Bulgaria among intravenous drug abusers. Policies for drug prevention and treatment are reviewed as well. 2 references