 The proposed study plans to compare the efficacy of behavioral drug and HIV risk reduction counseling BDRC to low intensity methadone counseling during methadone maintenance treatment. In selecting BDRC, we were guided by several considerations, including its acceptability, suitability, feasibility, potential efficacy, and potential for rapid and widespread dissemination in the U.S. and elsewhere. BDRC was developed to be delivered by regular drug counselors, so that it would be relatively easy to disseminate this counseling if it is found efficacious. BDRC combines behavioral contracting with an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills IMB model for reducing HIV risk behaviors and illicit drug use that is grounded in social cognitive theory and supported by empirical findings in a number of studies and populations. The more intensive HIV risk reduction interventions provided in BDRC, including personalized assessment of risk i.e., identification of personal, social and environmental factors associated with risky behaviors and education and training in skill-building and self-control, may lead to greater reductions in both drug- and sex-related HIV risk behaviors than the more limited, brief counseling provided in LIMC, as supported by findings of a recent clinical trial with methadone maintained patients and a meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of HIV risk reduction interventions during drug abuse treatment. BDRC emphasizes a medical model of treatment for drug dependence and is highly complementary to and compatible with regular methadone maintenance treatment. 