Corrections Act 2004, ss 49-52, 123
When you arrive at prison you must have an initial health assessment that identifies any physical or mental health needs. These needs must be addressed by the prison. Help with alcohol or drug issues should form part of your needs assessment.
Help with alcohol and drug issues can be provided in rehabilitative programmes provided by prisons. However, sometimes there’s a waiting list or some programmes won’t be available. You can also be refused access to a programme if the prison staff think you won’t benefit from it, but they must have a good reason for this decision.
Some brief alcohol/drug programmes are often now available within some prison remand units. Other prisons also have specific rehabilitation units solely related to alcohol and drug treatment – these are basically residential (live-in) rehabilitation units within the prisons. These programmes can run from between three to six months, and prisoners can be transferred between prisons so that they can go to them.
To find out about what drug and alcohol assistance is available in your prison, talk to your prison case manager. Alcohol and drug issues often form a key part of a prisoner’s release plan.