Alcohol and other drug services

Remand

Alleged offenders on remand are held in custody before and during their trial (on criminal charges) by order of a court.

Prisoner placement

Prisoner placement is the process of ensuring that prisoners are placed in prison locations that are appropriate to prison security and management as well as prisoners’ individual welfare and rehabilitation needs.

Arrival

Upon arrival at any of Victoria's prisons, prisoners undergo reception, assessment and orientation.

Healthcare

The quality and standard of health care provided to prisoners is the same as that provided in the community through the public health system.

Money

Prisoner monies are held in trust using a computerised accounting system.

Programs

Corrections Victoria provides a wide range of program opportunities for prisoners to assist in their rehabilitation and successful return to the community after release from custody.

Personal information and privacy

Corrections Victoria collects personal information about prisoners, offenders, their families and prison visitors.

Pregnancy and childcare

Women in custody who are pregnant or who are the primary carers of young children may apply for the Living with Mum Program.

Prohibited items (contraband)

A prohibited item ('contraband') is anything introduced or found in a prison that is not permitted.

Property and clothing

The type and amount of property and clothing prisoners are allowed to keep varies from prison to prison.

Recreation

Activities in Victorian prisons ensure access to fresh air for at least an hour a day and access to a library.

Work, education and training

Prisoners have the opportunity to work during their sentence to build work habits and skills.

Leaving prison

All Victorian prisons have Transitional staff to assist prisoners to prepare for their release.

Alcohol and other drug programs are provided at all prisons. Programs include individual counselling, psycho-educational programs, long-term group therapy and transitional assistance programs. Access is based on an assessment of need and suitability. Every prisoner entering prison receives harm reduction education to minimise the harm associated with drug use.

All drug treatment programs in Victoria’s prisons are based on a substantial body of research. Offenders who engage in structured cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) interventions show reductions in drug use and reoffending.

The Corrections Alcohol and Drug Strategy 2015 – Overview describes the approach to dealing with alcohol and drug use across all correctional environments in Victoria, integrating the key principles and strategies employed within both adult prison settings and community correctional services.

Drug withdrawal

People in custody can access drug withdrawal support.

Taking or supplying illicit drugs and drinking or supplying alcohol is illegal in Victorian prisons.

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD)

Opioid dependence is a recognised health issue requiring therapeutic intervention.

People in custody have access to MATOD which aims to reduce opioid-related harm including overdose and death, transmission of bloodborne viruses, and the effects of withdrawal. Access to this treatment will be determined by health staff and assessed on a case-by-case basis as per the criteria for diagnosis for opioid use disorder.

Continuity of care on transfer to other custodial facilities or into the community will occur for the health and wellbeing of people accessing MATOD. The custodial health service provider will attempt to make appointments with prescribing practitioners in the community and pharmacists.

Justice Health have issued a MATOD position statement. As of 1 July 2024 the Victorian Prison Opioid Substitution Therapy Program Guidelines (2015) have been retired. Custodial health service providers have contemporary policies and procedures to treat alcohol and drug related health needs, which are applicable to a custodial setting.

Nicotine withdrawal

People in prison experiencing nicotine cravings or withdrawals can access health services and support, such as Quitline, at no cost.

Health service providers can prescribe therapies, including two medications, for managing addiction in accordance with clinical requirements.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches are not supplied.

Community corrections

Being in prison

Contact or visit a prison

About the system

Work with us

Drug withdrawal

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD)

Related documents:

Nicotine withdrawal