Trainer's manual on care and treatment of persons with substance use disorders in prisons (2025)

Prison authorities are increasingly facing challenges with drug use and related behaviours. People with substance use disorders (SUD) are over-represented in prisons and often experience stigma and discrimination. Continued substance use leads to complex health issues, including the transmission of ommunicable diseases. It also contributes to creating a high-risk environment for both incarcerated people and staff. Such issues highlight the need for a well-trained workforce to address the complex needs of people with SUD, while respecting their human rights.

The “Trainer’s manual on care and treatment of persons with substance use disorders in prisons” was developed under the Criminal Justice and Health in Prison Programme of the Council of Europe International Co-operation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group). It provides support in developing evidence-based criminal justice policies and comprehensive drug-treatment systems in prisons. The various projects carried out under the programme have assisted governments, public administrations and civil society organisations in improving drug treatment programmes and the social reintegration of detained people, to reduce relapse and recidivism and improve the health and well-being of people.

The manual was developed to guide trainers in delivering cascade training to multidisciplinary prison staff, including medical, psychosocial and custodial personnel. The training programme aims to enhance understanding of the challenges individuals with SUD face, improve care and treatment in custodial settings, strengthen co-operation across disciplines in treatment provision and facilitate connections to services upon release. It also supports reducing stigma and discrimination related to drug use and disorders, in line with international human rights standards.

The training package consists of 12 topics covering key aspects on treatment and care of people with SUD in custodial settings, and guidance on contemporary communication approaches to reinforce learning. Trainers can adapt the content to suit specific professional groups, as well as national and prison contexts. Each session includes clear objectives and suggested activities, such as discussions, role plays and case studies, along with additional resources, such as model presentations and evaluation questionnaires.