ABSTRACT
Throughout the world, large numbers of drug users are imprisoned. This chapter describes why people take drugs, estimates the prevalence and incidence of drug use among prisoners. It explores the relationship between drug misuse and imprisonment, describes an explanatory model of drug misuse in prison, and then discusses policy and commissioning responses to help address the issue, and considers emerging issues in relation to this topic. The chapter is based primarily on the English prison system, and on male prisoners. The relationship between drug misuse and offending has been well established. The relationships and networks that are forged to enable drug misuse in prison can often reduce a prisoner's sense of isolation and can give the impression of being connected to a wider social group or community. Connection to this network can foster solidarity and a sense of belonging, while contributing towards the rationale for drug misuse.
