(The ever-increasing benefits of Abstinence for ALL)
Two groundbreaking studies from the Ministry of Justice have revealed that Drug-Free prison wings create significantly safer and more stable environments for both prisoners and staff. The research provides compelling evidence that Incentivised Substance Free Living wings work.
Dramatic Reduction in Violence and Self-Harm
A randomised controlled trial published on 11th December 2025 found that prisoners living on Drug-Free prison wings were 31% less likely to be involved in assault incidents. They were also 31% less likely to self-harm and 32% less likely to be involved in disorder incidents.
The study examined 60 prisoners across four prisons. Twenty-eight lived on substance-free living units whilst 32 resided on standard wings. The research team used innovative waitlist randomisation to ensure robust results.
Researchers measured outcomes over a three-month period. The findings showed a 93.1% probability that Drug-Free prison wings have a beneficial effect in reducing assault incidents.
What Are Incentivised Substance Free Living Wings?
ISFLs are dedicated spaces within prisons for prisoners who want to live Drug-Free. Residents receive incentives for remaining substance-free. These include additional access to gym equipment, entertainment facilities, and extra time out of cell. Prisoners also undergo regular drug testing.
New residents sign a compact outlining expectations for acceptable behaviour. The agreement clearly states what leads to removal from the wing. Creating a positive and supportive environment by both prisoners and staff proves crucial to success.
These wings replaced Voluntary Testing Units introduced in 1998. As of April 2025, 85 prisons operated ISFLs out of 123 prisons in England and Wales.
How Substance-Free Living Units Function
A second study, published on 14th December 2025, examined how well-established Drug-Free prison wings operate in three male prisons. Researchers from RAND Europe gathered data through observations, interviews, and focus groups. They spoke with 25 staff members and 28 prisoners between August and October 2024.
The study identified four main themes reflecting experiences on these wings:
Clean and Calm Environment: Prisoners and staff reported that spaces on Drug-Free prison wings were clean, calm, and genuinely facilitated substance-free living.
Clear Accountability: Prisoners understood they must abide by certain rules to enjoy the wing’s benefits. Staff reported being held accountable by colleagues and prisoners for their attitudes.
Strong Relationships: The substance-free living units facilitated strong bonds amongst prisoners and between prisoners and staff.
Wing Identity: Perceptions varied across prisons. Some staff and prisoners on other wings held negative impressions, often relating to stigmatisation of people who use drugs.
Supporting Recovery Through Community
The findings align with the CHIME model of recovery. This framework emphasises Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment. Prisoners and staff described strong relationships that encouraged support and responsibility.
Living in a Drug-Free space gave people hope for change and a better future. Taking part in activities and learning new skills helped them see themselves more positively. Good access to health services and caring staff supported wellbeing and sense of purpose.
Prisoners felt more in control of their recovery. They worked alongside staff to create a safe, supportive, and responsible community.
Four Key Recommendations
The research team identified four crucial elements for creating effective Drug-Free prison wings:
Building Community: Creating and sustaining community proves essential for safety and stability. Prisoners shared positive experiences through communal and peer-led activities. This built a community atmosphere where residents felt social obligation and accountability to each other and staff.
Open and trusting communication practices strengthened relationships. These allowed prisoners to resolve disputes constructively rather than through aggression seen on other wings.
Balanced Population Mix: Having prisoners at different points in their recovery journey, plus those without drug use history, provided new insights and growth opportunities. Early-recovery prisoners found inspiration from long-term recovery residents. Prisoners without recovery needs gained confidence through mentorship roles.
Staff Development: Working on substance-free living units gave staff opportunities for professional growth and more rewarding experiences. Staff reported finding their work satisfying and meaningful. This contributed positively to their wellbeing and may support retention whilst reducing absences.
Selecting staff with strong interest in and commitment to the recovery ethos proved crucial. Constructive challenge from colleagues and prisoners facilitated professional and personal growth.
Raising Awareness: More work needs doing amongst prison leadership to raise awareness of ISFL purpose and benefits. In two prisons, participants reported that staff and prisoners on other wings held negative impressions or little understanding of the wings’ purpose.
Ensuring all staff and prisoners understand the wing’s identity and purpose could increase potential for supporting recovery and personal growth.
The Wider Context
The research forms part of the Tackling Drug Misuse in Prisons Evaluation Programme. The studies focused on safety and stability outcomes rather than drug treatment measures specifically.
Drug-Free prison wings offer an alternative approach to managing substance misuse in custody. Rather than focusing solely on treatment, they create environments where choosing abstinence becomes easier and more rewarding.
The incentive-based model recognises that prisoners need positive reasons to maintain substance-free living. Better conditions, more activities, and stronger support networks provide those reasons.
Benefits Beyond the Wing
The impact of substance-free living units extends beyond immediate safety improvements. Prisoners develop skills and relationships that support successful reintegration into community life after release.
Staff working on these wings report greater job satisfaction. The positive environment and meaningful work contribute to better retention rates. This creates stability that further enhances the wing’s effectiveness.
Families visiting prisoners on Drug-Free prison wings often notice improvements in their loved ones’ wellbeing and outlook. The calmer environment makes visits more positive experiences.
Challenges Remain
Despite positive findings, challenges persist. Some prisoners and staff in other wings hold negative views about substance-free living units. Addressing stigma around recovery and Drug-Free living requires ongoing effort.
Maintaining appropriate staffing levels proves crucial. Drug-Free prison wings need committed staff who understand and support the recovery ethos. Staff shortages can undermine the community atmosphere that makes these wings successful.
Ensuring a balanced mix of residents requires careful management. Too many early-recovery prisoners might overwhelm the supportive environment. Too few creates missed opportunities for peer support and learning.
Looking Forward
The research provides robust evidence that Drug-Free prison wings deliver measurable benefits. The 31% reduction in assault incidents represents significant improvement in prison safety and stability.
The findings suggest that expanding well-implemented substance-free living units could improve outcomes across the prison estate. Success depends on proper implementation with committed staff, appropriate incentives, and strong community ethos.
As prisons face ongoing challenges with drugs, violence, and overcrowding, the model offers a proven approach. Creating dedicated spaces where prisoners can choose substance-free living provides hope and practical support for those wanting to change.
The December 2025 studies demonstrate that when properly resourced and staffed, Drug-Free prison wings work. They create safer environments, support recovery journeys, and provide staff with more rewarding roles. For a prison system under significant pressure, these findings offer valuable insights into what works.
(Source: WRD News)
Prioritizing Abstinence-Based Prevention, Regulation, and Recovery to Reduce Substance-Related Harm and Promote Mental Health at a Population-Level
