Inmates at Low Moss prison discover paths to recovery through peer-led support, tackling addiction and fostering hope.
He attends peer-led recovery sessions each week, along with other prisoners at Low Moss. Ian feels different now and believes he has hope today. He gained tools to cope from his sponsor.
A former storage area became a recovery hub. Staff and groups offer programs there. Every Tuesday, prisoners run the sessions, and Ross helps lead these groups.
Ross says the men share freely without officers present. He also says that information stays within the group. Brian also leads sessions and says it helps him avoid drugs because many prisoners struggle daily with them.
Brian says the jail has many drugs, including legal highs. He used to take drugs he didn’t even like; he wanted to escape his feelings.
He now wakes up and doesn’t need drugs, and says it’s getting easier. At Christmas, many offered him drugs, but he found it easy to say no.
Overcrowding and drug abuse affect Scottish prisons. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) launched a plan to expand drug and alcohol support by working with partner organizations.
Drug use has changed recently, with a rise in new psychoactive substances. Cannabinoids and street benzos are also up. SPS says they must stay vigilant to stop drugs spreading in jails.
The Low Moss group gives members new outlooks. Peter says it changed his prison behavior. He used to be volatile and angry, but now has a different attitude and treats staff and prisoners better.
A 2019 SPS survey showed key issues. Before prison, 41% used drugs problematically. 45% were on drugs at their offense, and 40% reported being drunk.
The survey also showed that 63% drank heavily, and a third were alcohol dependent then. Among those awaiting trial, 73% were alcohol dependent.
The new strategy aims to create a “recovery culture.” Lisa Millar, from the Scottish Recovery Consortium, wants recovery in every part of prison life.
Most Scottish prisons now do recovery activities, but it’s still in progress, Lisa notes. Going back to the landings is hard because the general culture isn’t always supportive.
She says they try to inspire hope and show that change is possible. Kevin Carberry, Low Moss’ recovery coordinator, wants a different approach.
He says they can show inmates a new way and hopes lessons help after release. They give them space to run their own group and trust them to direct things.
He says they see progress, explaining that some still struggle, but they are always welcome. Willingness is all that matters, he adds.
Peter says the program showed him a new path. People treat him like a human, which makes him want to help others and become a better person.