Prison then drugs, drugs then prison, and on and on. We must stop the cycle

One important part of what we do is working with people in prison, leaving prison or avoiding prison after being given a community-based sentence.

We would estimate around 90% have an addiction issue going in, from alcohol to Class A drugs, and most of them will have the same issue coming out. It doesn’t go away. That is why the mentoring and support we provide is crucial in preparing them to rejoin their communities and organise and access basic services on the outside, hopefully including help to tackle their addiction.

A detox programme may have helped them in prison but one of the outcomes can be a reduced tolerance and we have seen cases where people overdose very quickly if they return to using the levels of drugs they were using before going to prison.

What we observe is a cycle. Drugs are not the cause; they are the destination. Hopelessness for many people – having no outlook of a decent future, no home, family support or job – creates the environment to turn to drugs and the lifestyle that goes with addiction.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a public health issue that sits alongside poverty and homelessness. If someone’s basic needs are not met, they look for other options and an escape.

There must be an imperative to tackle that hopelessness; the causes of addiction and dependence.

If someone gives up their drug habit, the gap needs to be filled with positive alternative options.

Not everyone leaving prison would be able to manage a tenancy or a job without support, but many could and would then have an opportunity to secure a more stable life. Leaving prison with no home, job or support can too often lead to a rapid return.

At Sacro, we see how short-term sentences can have a very negative impact on people in terms of their addictions. The impact on mental health and self-confidence of being sent to prison for a short time – potentially losing a job or a home and having to try to rebuild – can cause stress, loss of selfesteem and a crisis that can mean drugs seem an easier option than trying to rebuild lives again and again.

We believe supporting people to pay back in the community can enable them to maintain stability and gives charities like us an opportunity to help them move away from drugs and the ensuing chaos. Putting people in prison for most short-term sentences only creates more problems.

The cycle of addiction and prison is a dreadful outcome for any human being but is one that can be avoided with the right support in place. Addressing the causes of addiction and providing a genuine alternative to drugs or drink will help to break the cycle and, hopefully, finally, stop the revolving door.