• Treatment services available in prisons are equivalent to those in the community - Principle of equivalence

• Impact on crime rate and recidivism

• Linking prisoners to community services after release

Drug treatment inside prisons works. It increases job training, reintegration into the job market and reduces re-incarceration. It also addresses problems associated with closed settings and related risky behaviours reduces the risks of HIV and other blood borne infections (HBV, HCV).

Provision of drug treatment in prisons can be voluntary or compulsory. In some countries the legal system does not penalise drug use and offenders are referred for treatment. Prisoners with drug problems have the choice whether to accept treatment. A possibility is to provide separate space for drug treatment within the prison (drug-free wings).

Inside prison there are different options regarding the type of personnel responsible for the provision of drug treatment. There are advantages and disadvantages of provision of drug treatment in prisons by correctional service staff (i.e. health personnel). In certain regions, health professionals working inside the prisons  provide the treatment instead of specially trained criminal justice system staff. This has proven extremely beneficial as these professionals develop an intense work connection in the prison setting getting to know the patients and gain an insight into their living conditions.  Other options include the participation of community-based organizations in the provision of support services for prisoner under drug abuse treatment.

Within the prisons there are possibilities to provide specific treatment modalities and techniques, for example cognitive-behavioural therapies, therapeutic community, and agonist maintenance. Other interventions currently in practice in several countries include methadone maintenance, display of safer practices posters, and training for prisoners and spouses on safe sex and HIV prevention, conjugal meetings, condom distribution, abstinence, agonist maintenance, and antagonist therapy. Any for of treatment provided within the prison setting has to pay special attention to the importance of continuum of care after release.

Countries around the world have the challenge of finding alternative ways to dealing with drug offenders, especially youth and adolescents.