Drug users and imprisonment

The imprisonment of drug users is a typical approach to problems of drug use in most countries. The vast numbers of drug users who are detained in prison means that prisons have an important role in drug policy. Therefore the prison setting should be an ideal one for the provision of treatment of drug dependence, given the vast numbers of drug users they hold. This chapter examines drug users and imprisonment, the continuation of drug use while imprisoned and harms resulting from that use and post release from prison. In terms of response to drug users in prison, the chapter also examines judicial corporal punishment for drugs, abuse by prison officials and the death penalty. Finally we examine approaches that are effective in treating drug users and in particular methadone maintenance treatment for prisoners. We conclude with a brief look at decriminalization and recommendations.