10.1: Drug Use in Prison

Correctional officers (COs) recognize drug use in prison through a highly detailed, multi-layered system that combines observation, behavioral analysis, intelligence gathering, physical searches, scientific testing, and ongoing monitoring of the institutional environment. Because drugs are deliberately concealed and constantly evolving in form and method of delivery, officers cannot rely on a single indicator. Instead, they must piece together multiple small signs over time, using both formal training and practical experience. Open-access research consistently shows that effective detection depends on integrating these strategies rather than depending on any one method alone.

One of the most important tools COs use is the identification of behavioral and physical indicators of drug use or withdrawal. Officers are trained to observe inmates continuously during daily activities such as meals, recreation, and movement throughout the facility. Signs of drug use can vary depending on the substance but often include:

• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Unusually high energy levels
• Appear disoriented
• Difficulty maintaining balance
• Rapid mood swings
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Depression
• Paranoia

Withdrawal symptoms can be equally telling, and they include:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Restlessness

Importantly, officers are trained not to rely on a single symptom but to look for patterns and consistency over time, since many of these signs could also be linked to mental health issues or medical conditions. Research from the National Institutes of Health highlights that the absence of a fully reliable reporting system in prisons makes staff observation one of the most critical components in identifying substance use.⁴¹

In addition to physical symptoms, COs carefully analyze changes in routine behavior and daily functioning, which are often early warning signs of drug involvement. Inmates who begin using drugs may withdraw from structured activities such as educational programs, work assignments, or counseling sessions. They may show a decline in motivation, increased absenteeism, or sudden disinterest in previously important routines. Officers also monitor hygiene and self-care; a noticeable deterioration in cleanliness, grooming, or health can signal substance abuse. Another key factor is changes in social relationships. Inmates involved in drug use often associate with specific groups, including known users, dealers, or gang-affiliated individuals. They may engage in increased bartering or trading, exchanging goods like food, clothing, or commissary items for drugs. According to the Office of Justice Programs, drug use in prisons is closely tied to the informal prison economy and social networks, meaning that shifts in relationships and trading behavior can reveal underlying drug activity.⁴²

A significant component of recognizing drug use is intelligence gathering and information sharing among correctional staff. COs rely on both formal and informal sources of information, including confidential informants, tips from inmates, and observations shared by other officers. This information is discussed during shift briefings, documented in incident reports, and used to track patterns over time. For example, if multiple officers report suspicious behavior involving the same individuals or housing units, this may indicate organized drug activity or trafficking. Officers also monitor gang dynamics, as gangs often play a role in distributing drugs facilities. Research available through ScienceDirect emphasizes the role of discretionary decision-making, meaning officers must interpret incomplete or indirect information and decide when intervention is necessary. This requires experience, situational awareness, and the ability to connect seemingly minor observations into a broader understanding of potential drug activity.⁴³

Another critical method involves searches and the detection of contraband, which provide direct evidence of drug use or trafficking. COs conduct routine and random searches of cells, common areas, and inmates themselves. These searches may include pat-downs, strip searches, and inspections of personal property, bedding, and clothing. Officers are trained to identify creative concealment methods, such as hidden compartments in everyday items, altered books, or substances embedded in paper or fabric. Mail screening is particularly important, as drugs are often smuggled into facilities through letters or packages. Research published by the JAMA Network highlights the growing problem of synthetic drugs infused into paper, which can be torn into small pieces and consumed, making them difficult to detect through traditional searches. This has increased the need for specialized training and heightened awareness among correctional staff.

COs also rely heavily on environmental awareness and situational context to identify drug use. This includes noticing unusual odors, visible smoke, or chemical smells that may indicate substances being used or prepared. Officers pay attention to group behavior as well—if multiple inmates in the same area exhibit similar symptoms, this may suggest shared drug use or exposure to a contaminated substance. Sudden increases in medical emergencies, such as overdoses or unexplained illnesses, are also strong indicators of drug presence within a facility. In recent years, institutions have begun exploring innovative detection methods, such as wastewater-based epidemiology, which analyzes prison wastewater to detect traces of drugs and estimate overall usage levels.⁴⁴

In conclusion, recognizing drug use in prison is a complex and ongoing process that requires correctional officers to synthesize information from multiple sources. Through continuous observation, analysis of behavioral and social changes, intelligence gathering, thorough searches, scientific testing, and awareness of environmental cues, COs are able to detect and respond to drug activity. Safety and effective detection depend on a coordinated, experience-driven approach that evolves alongside changing drug trends within correctional environments.⁴⁵

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⁴¹National Institutes of Health (ND)

⁴²Office of Justice Programs (ND)

⁴³Stevens, L., Schultz, W., and Patterson, A. (2024)

⁴⁴Kuai, D., Eneida Rivera Blanco, L., Krotulski, A., et al (2024)

⁴⁵Cartwright (2026)