Drug addiction amongst prisoners is extremely high, and closely linked to a vicious cycle of crime & re-imprisonment. 73% of men entering prison have used illegal drugs in the 12 months before their incarceration; 47% have used heroin or crack cocaine on a regular basis; 55% of those using drugs admit to committing offences connected to their drug use; and the need for money to buy drugs is the most commonly cited factor in crime amongst drug-users. [Figures from a Home Office study]

A New Direction looks at the crucial issue of what lies beneath addiction patterns. Abuse, neglect & deprivation in childhood often cause men to turn to drugs, alcohol or crime to escape the painful emotions of their past. Our six-month programme of cognitive-behavioural therapy helps prisoners identify and tackle the root cause of their addictions in a safe therapeutic community & to make new plans for the future.