Substance use in prisons has long been a significant challenge, one that perpetuates cycles of dependency and crime while impacting public health and safety. The Scottish Prisons Service (SPS) has introduced its Alcohol and Drug Recovery Strategy 2024-2034, a comprehensive, human-rights-centred approach designed to tackle this issue head-on. By focusing on rehabilitation, prevention, and reintegration, the strategy marks a significant shift in addressing substance-related harm within Scotland’s prison system.

This blog explores the strategy’s objectives, principles, policies, and practical interventions, offering insights into how it aims to inspire positive change for individuals in custody and ultimately create safer communities.

A Human-Centred Framework for Change

The new Alcohol and Drug Recovery Strategy builds on a human rights-based and public health approach, prioritising the dignity and well-being of incarcerated individuals. SPS—working closely with NHS Scotland, local authorities, third-sector organisations, and voluntary agencies—intends to foster long-term recovery, reduce harm, and enhance reintegration into society.

This approach acknowledges that substance use in prisons often stems from pre-existing socio-economic disadvantages, trauma, and mental health issues. Tackling these factors holistically allows the strategy to address root causes instead of simply treating symptoms.

Vision and Core Objectives

At its heart, the strategy aspires to create an environment that facilitates prevention and supports long-term recovery. The core objectives include practical measures designed to improve prisoner outcomes beyond incarceration.

Key Objectives at a Glance

• Support Positive Lifestyle Changes: Encourage incarcerated individuals to improve their health, strengthen relationships, and enhance employment opportunities while reducing substance dependency.
• Ensure Equal Access to Services: Provide comprehensive care and interventions equivalent to those available in the wider community.
• Embed Trauma-Informed Responses: Recognise the links between substance use, trauma, and mental health, tailoring interventions accordingly.
• Workforce Training and Compassionate Care: Empower prison staff with the skills to deliver evidence-based and empathetic interventions.
• Reduce the Supply of Illicit Substances: Deploy strategic security measures to tackle drug supply and demand effectively.
• Strengthen Post-Release Support: Expand collaborations with community organisations to aid reintegration and reduce relapse rates.

Addressing Substance Use in Scottish Prisons

Substance use among prisoners highlights the challenges that this strategy seeks to resolve. According to the 2019 SPS Prison Survey, 41% of prisoners reported problematic drug use prior to incarceration, and 45% admitted to being under the influence of drugs at the time of their offence. Similarly, 40% reported alcohol intoxication during their crime.

The evolution of drug usage—characterised by synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and high-potency opioids like nitazenes—further complicates the problem. Historical trauma, poor mental health, and social stigma create barriers to effective rehabilitation, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to meet these challenges.

Principles Guiding the Recovery Strategy

The strategy is built on fundamental principles and values that ensure transparency, inclusivity, and respect for every individual.

• Dignity and Respect: Treat all prisoners with fairness and humanity throughout their recovery journeys.
• Belief in Recovery: Promote the idea that substance dependency is reversible, with the proper support.
• Rights-Based Approach: Ensure care adheres to international human rights standards, offering equitable healthcare access.
• Person-Centred Support: Address mental, physical, and social aspects of recovery for a holistic approach.
• Reducing Stigma: Foster a non-judgemental culture where prisoners feel encouraged to seek help.

Strengthening Policy Foundations

This strategy aligns with various national legislative frameworks and policies prioritising public health and social justice. These include the Rights, Respect, and Recovery Strategy (2018), The Alcohol Framework (2018), and The National Mission on Drug Deaths (2021-2026).

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) standards also play a vital role, ensuring individuals in custody have access to opioid substitution therapies alongside additional interventions.

Strategic Priorities and Interventions

Effective solutions require a combination of prevention, treatment, and reintegration-focused strategies.

1. Tackling Stigma through Language and Education

• Incorporate “people-first” language within prison establishments.
• Train staff to adopt empathetic attitudes and avoid discriminatory behaviour.
• Enhance public understanding to reduce stigma surrounding substance use and recovery efforts.

2. Accessible Treatment and Holistic Recovery Support

• Implement MAT standards offering opioid substitution therapy (OST).
• Increase availability of mutual support frameworks like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery.
• Expand psychological interventions addressing emotional regulation and trauma.

3. Prison-Based Rehabilitation and Post-Release Support

• Develop structured recovery pathways supported by education programmes and vocational training.
• Provide post-release access to residential rehabilitation initiatives.
• Collaborate with community services to ensure smooth post-incarceration transitions.

4. Reducing Drug Availability in Prisons

The strategy’s success lies in limiting entrance points for narcotics. Planned measures include photocopying mail to prevent drug-laced letters, monitoring drone activity near prison grounds, and deploying forensic technologies to combat drug smuggling networks.

Monitoring and Measuring Success

The Strategy Steering Group ensures accountability, monitoring outcomes through key performance indicators, including reductions in drug-related deaths, increased programme participation, and improved mental health. A 5-Year Delivery and Implementation Plan will evaluate the impact of these initiatives.

Source: Scottish Prisons Service: new alcohol and drug recovery strategy