Substance abuse doesn’t stop at prison walls. In fact, drugs and alcohol remain pressing issues within correctional facilities worldwide. Understanding how these substances infiltrate prisons, how they affect the mental health and wellness of incarcerated people, and what treatment options exist is vital to both justice and rehabilitation. Below are 10 interesting facts about substance abuse treatment in prison, highlighting challenges, realities, and opportunities for change.
1. Substance Abuse Is Widespread Among People Who Are Incarcerated
One of the most striking prison drug and alcohol facts is just how common addiction is among incarcerated populations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 65% of incarcerated individuals meet the criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs). Many of these individuals entered prison with existing issues, often linked to poverty, trauma, and lack of access to healthcare. Without intervention, these patterns can persist during incarceration and increase the risk of reoffending upon release.
2. Alcohol And Drug Abuse Often Precede Incarceration
Substance abuse and crime often go hand in hand. Many people who are incarcerated struggle with addiction prior to being sentenced, which directly or indirectly influences their criminal behavior. Research shows that nearly half of state prisoners were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of their offense. This overlap underscores the importance of pairing justice with substance abuse and alcohol intervention and treatment addressing root causes rather than only focusing on punishment.
3. How Drugs And Alcohol Enter Prisons Is Surprising
Despite tight security, contraband substances still make their way inside. Drugs and alcohol are smuggled in through visitors, mail, drones, corrupt staff, or hidden in deliveries. Even correctional officers, who are expected to enforce rules, sometimes become part of the problem—either smuggling items themselves or struggling with their own addictions. This makes controlling prison drug use as much about internal reform and oversight as it is about physical barriers.
4. Correctional Officers Aren’t Immune To Addiction
When discussing addiction in prison, the focus is usually on incarcerated individuals, but correctional officers and prison staff can also struggle with drugs and alcohol. The high-stress environment, exposure to trauma, and long hours contribute to increased risk of substance abuse. When officers are impaired, their judgment, safety, and ability to manage people who are incarcerated decline—creating ripple effects throughout the prison system. This highlights the need for wellness and intervention programs for staff, not just for those behind bars.
5. “Pruno” And Other Improvised Alcoholic Beverages Are Common
Even without smuggling, prisons often see the production of improvised alcohol. “Pruno,” sometimes called “prison wine,” is made from fermented fruits, sugar, ketchup, or even bread. Although crude, it’s potent—and dangerous. Because it is brewed in unsanitary conditions, it can cause serious health risks, including botulism. Despite these dangers, homemade alcohol is a persistent issue in prisons due to the lack of legal access and the demand for intoxication as a form of escape.
Image Source: Pexels
6. A Range Of Drugs Circulate Behind Bars
Alcohol isn’t the only issue. Prisons report the presence of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and opioids, including fentanyl. Prescription drugs, such as painkillers and psychiatric medications, are also commonly misused sometimes stolen from legitimate medical prescriptions. This creates dangerous environments, as incarcerated people may trade or coerce others for access, contributing to violence, health crises, and further dependence.
7. Untreated Addiction Fuels Recidivism
When addiction is ignored, the cycle of incarceration continues. Individuals released from prison without treatment are at high risk of relapse, overdose, and reoffending. Studies show that incarcerated individuals who complete substance abuse treatment are up to 50% less likely to return to prison. This fact underscores the critical role of rehabilitation programs in breaking the cycle of crime and addiction.
8. Substance Abuse Treatment In Prisons Is Often Limited But Evolving
Traditionally, many correctional facilities prioritized punishment over rehabilitation. However, the rise of substance abuse and alcohol intervention and treatment programs in prisons has grown in recent years. These programs range from counseling and group therapy (such as Narcotics Anonymous) to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. Still, accessibility remains uneven—many prisons lack sufficient funding, trained staff, or a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.
9. Mental Health And Addiction Are Closely Linked in Prison
Addiction doesn’t exist in isolation—it is deeply tied to mental health. The mental health and wellness of people who are incarcerated is heavily impacted by untreated substance use disorders. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions are common among people who are incarcerated, often intensified by withdrawal and lack of adequate mental health care. Effective prison treatment must therefore be holistic, addressing both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
10. Improving Prison Substance Abuse Treatment Improves Society As A Whole
The benefits of addressing addiction behind bars extend beyond the prison walls. By investing in evidence-based treatment, aftercare programs, and mental health support, correctional systems can reduce recidivism, improve community safety, and save taxpayer money. Community reintegration programs, vocational training, and ongoing addiction recovery services help individuals build stable lives after release making society safer and healthier overall.
Important Points To Remember:
• Addiction is pervasive in prisons, often beginning before incarceration.
• Contraband drugs and alcohol are common, entering through multiple channels.
• Correctional officers are also at risk, highlighting the need for staff wellness programs.
• Improvised alcohol like pruno reflects the demand for intoxication even in restrictive environments.
• Treatment works—it reduces relapse, improves mental health, and lowers reoffending rates.
Conclusion
Prisons are more than just holding facilities; they are microcosms of society. Issues of addiction, mental health, and wellness don’t disappear when the prison doors close; they often intensify. By acknowledging the realities of prison drug and alcohol facts and investing in substance abuse and alcohol intervention and treatment, correctional systems can promote not only rehabilitation but also public safety and human dignity.
Substance abuse treatment in prison is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It represents a path forward for individuals who have struggled with addiction, providing them with tools to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Proponents may argue that the more we treat addiction as a health issue rather than purely a criminal one, the better outcomes we create for everyone. Those who oppose treating addiction as a health issue for people who are incarcerated may believe otherwise. Others may argue that people who are incarcerated should be treated fairly and given treatment options and opportunities just like or similar to people who are not incarcerated with good intentions for the best outcomes.
References
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2024/01/30/punishing-drug-use/
https://www.tikvahlake.com/blog/inmate-substance-abuse-treatment-statistics/
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics-demographics
