Drug addicts in prison have a reputation for being manipulative and disruptive and for demanding much staff attention. Often, addicts receive little sympathy since their difficulties are considered to result from repeatedly and voluntarily taking drugs. More recent health concerns of drug addiction in prisons focus on hepatitis B, HIV, and AIDS. Some prison officials contend that HIV testing should be a compulsory part of the inmate reception process. Although there is a general lack of research on drug-addicted female inmates, the available evidence suggests that such inmates have certain unique problems because of their sex. A higher proportion are addicted to heroin rather than to other drugs, and women constitute the majority of benzodiazepine abusers in prisoners. Some 50 percent of addicted female inmates have been involved in prostitution as a means of funding their habit. Further, the self-esteem of women with drug problems is notably low. For drug-addicted female offenders, the possible benefit of treatment versus custodial sentence should be considered. When there is no alternative to incarceration, information on sources of help should be offered at the time of reception. After leaving prison, assistance should be offered to help addicts find work and housing. 18 references.