Drugs remain a major problem inside prisons. For anyone who was using before they came in, a lot of effort goes into helping people get and stay drug-free – drug counselling, medication on a reducing scale, group therapy and so on – but despite that, drugs are still widespread across the estate. They get in through visits, through the post, thrown over the perimeter fence, and occasionally via corrupt staff. Traditional Class A and B drugs are around, alongside synthetic cannabinoids – widely known as Spice – which have become one of the biggest problems in prisons over the last decade because they’re hard to detect and their effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. Alcohol is also brewed illicitly (known as Hooch) from things like fruit and bread.
While you’re inside you’ll be drug tested, through both Voluntary Drug Tests (VDTs) and Mandatory Drug Tests (MDTs). You’ll typically do a VDT once a month as part of your behaviour compact with the prison, and you can be called for an MDT at any time – usually at random, though sometimes because the prison has specific information about you. Failing a test can affect your IEP status and may bring other sanctions. Refusing a test, or not turning up for one at the appointed time, is treated as a disciplinary (“nickable”) offence under the IEP scheme, with all the consequences that brings.
More in this section:
| Accommodation | Cell Life |
| Getting things done | Phone and letters |
| Meals and Food | Personal clothing and equipment |
| Self Improvement | Learning to read |