Ep 5. Jailhouse Junkies

In Drugs, Inc. season 7 episode 5 titled "Jailhouse Junkies," viewers are taken into the world of drugs within the prison system. The episode explores the rampant drug use behind bars and how inmates manage to obtain and use drugs despite strict regulations.

The episode starts with an introduction to the prison system in the US and the challenges faced by the authorities in keeping drugs out of the hands of inmates. A former inmate, who served time for drug offenses, shares his experience of drug use in jail and how he managed to obtain it. He describes the hierarchy within the prison system and how getting drugs is all about connections.

The episode then moves on to the various ways drugs are smuggled into prisons, including visits from family and friends, mail, and even through crooked prison staff. Viewers are shown examples of how an inmate can easily obtain drugs on the inside, with dealers operating within prison walls.

One of the most popular prisons in the US, San Quentin is also shown to viewers. The episode delves into the various drug-related incidents that have occurred within the walls of the prison, with interviews with both inmates and staff members. The role of snitches, who inform on other inmates to get a reduced sentence, is also explored.

The episode also features a former prisoner who has managed to successfully turn their life around after serving time for drug offenses. He talks about how he got involved in drugs and the impact it had on his life, before sharing his experiences of entering into recovery. In a sober-living facility, he helps other former prisoners to recover from addiction, highlighting the importance of providing support to those in similar situations.

Viewers are also shown the impact of prison drug use on the families of inmates. One woman shares her experience of losing her son to an overdose in prison, highlighting the need for better drug treatment programs within the penal system.

Throughout the episode, viewers see how drugs can create dangerous situations within prison, with gangs and violence often associated with drug use. The episode also explores the connection between drugs and crime, with many inmates being arrested for drug offenses and addiction often fueling further criminal behavior.

Ultimately, "Jailhouse Junkies" sheds light on the dark world of drugs within the prison system and the difficulties faced by both inmates and staff in trying to tackle the problem. It provides an insight into the complexities of addiction and how it can derail both individuals and communities, with a focus on the importance of rehabilitation and support.