The impact of motivational factors on AIDS high‐risk behavior after participation in an AIDS intervention program was explored among 208 out‐of‐treatment injecting drug users (IDUs). It was hypothesized that lower risk behavior would be evident at follow‐up among IDUs who indicated higher concern about their susceptibility to AIDS prior to intervention. Results showed that this motivational indicator predicted lower risks 6 months after the intervention. Overall, this study indicates that psychoeducational AIDS interventions will be most beneficial to individuals with sufficient cognitive readiness to address drug‐ and AIDS‐related issues at a personal level. Assessments of risk and motivation levels of program participants should be used to tailor intervention strategies to meet indiv