It is fascinating that the morality, ethics, and effectiveness of current drug prohibition policies are being criticized in an era when drug use is declining in most segments of society. The current era is also marked by increasingly restrictive policies against drug use and users, including much enhanced interdiction efforts, calls for tougher penalties and more jails, and extensive drug screening programs at the work site. Summary dismissal of workers or students who use drugs is increasingly advocated. Two distinct and opposing currents advocating policy change have emerged, one for legalization, the other for greater restriction. The current inner-city rise in drug use, particularly of cocaine and "crack," and the remarkable increase in drug-related crime is probably providing the impetus for both lines of thinking. Yet both views appear extreme and neither seems to offer a promising social policy. It is critical that we continue to attempt to develop effective strategies for reducing the impact of drug taking on the individual and society. Whereas I am sensitive to the ethical and legal perspectives of the proponents of legalization, pharmacologic and social issues persuade me that legalization of heroin and cocaine would lead to a marked increase in drug dependence and an increase in drug-related disability and crime. In response to the idea that the legalization and taxation of drug use would provide resources for more effective research, prevention, and treatment, my sense is that we should not wait for legalization but should embark on that long and expensive course immediately.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)