Preventing further spread of HIV increases the pressure for re-examination and scientific evaluation of public policies regarding the availability of syringes and needles. Temporarily providing methadone and counselling, without the additional ancillary services ordinarily part of methadone maintenance, to IV opiate users who are on waiting lists for treatment merits strong consideration. The impact of incremental, even partial, but sustained reductions due to methadone maintenance and perhaps other drug treatment approaches can be substantial in breaking the chain of HIV transmission.