Drugs and alcohol are widespread in UK prisons, and so is the struggle to overcome addiction. Whether you enter prison with an existing substance dependency or encounter drugs for the first time inside, understanding the system, the risks, and the support available is essential for your safety and your sentence; related legal guidance covers drug possession and drink driving.
Substance Use on Arrival
Most prisoners with alcohol or drug dependencies will experience withdrawal symptoms in the first days of custody. The prison healthcare team assesses every new arrival for substance use and places those at risk on a supervised detoxification programme.
**Alcohol withdrawal** can be dangerous and even fatal in severe cases. Symptoms include tremors, sweating, nausea, seizures, and delirium tremens. If you drink heavily daily, tell healthcare staff immediately on arrival.
**Opioid withdrawal** is intensely uncomfortable but not usually life-threatening. Symptoms include muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, and severe cravings. Opioid users are typically offered substitution therapy.
**Benzodiazepine withdrawal** can cause seizures and must be medically supervised. If you take prescribed or non-prescribed benzos, tell the nurse during your health assessment.
The Detoxification Process
Detox in prison is usually a short-term process focused on managing acute withdrawal. It is not the same as long-term addiction treatment.
Detox typically lasts between 5 and 14 days depending on the substance and your health.
Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST)
Many prisons run Opioid Substitution Therapy programmes for prisoners with heroin or other opioid dependencies. These programmes use:
OST is not available in all prisons, and waiting lists can be long. If you are already on a community prescribing programme, bring evidence to court and ask your solicitor to inform the prison in advance.
Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT)
Mandatory Drug Testing is carried out randomly in all prisons. You can be selected at any time and required to provide a urine sample.
A positive MDT can result in loss of privileges, demotion on the IEP scheme, and transfer to a different wing or prison.
Drugs in Prison: The Reality
Despite searches, scans, and testing, drugs do enter prisons. Common routes include:
If you are offered drugs in prison, the safest response is to refuse. Drug debts are one of the primary drivers of violence and intimidation in custody.
Staying Clean Inside
Many prisoners use their sentence as an opportunity to get clean. Strategies that help include:
The Drug Strategy in Prisons
The Prison Service runs several initiatives to reduce drug use:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be forced to detox if I do not want to?
No. Detox is voluntary unless your life is at immediate risk. However, if you refuse detox and your behaviour becomes dangerous due to withdrawal, healthcare staff may intervene.
Can I stay on methadone for my whole sentence?
Yes, if clinically appropriate. Long-term maintenance is an option for prisoners with severe opioid dependencies. The decision is made by the prison prescribing team.
What happens if I fail a drug test?
You will face disciplinary action — usually loss of privileges and IEP demotion. Repeated failures can result in transfer, removal from programmes, and damage to your parole prospects.
Are vape products allowed in prison?
E-cigarettes and vaping products are permitted in most prisons and sold through the canteen. They are not considered contraband unless modified or used to conceal substances.
Can I get rehab treatment in prison?
Some prisons offer structured rehabilitation programmes, but provision is patchy. Ask the drug and alcohol team what is available at your establishment.
*Last updated: June 2026.*