Although the problem of illicit drug use in prisons is an important topic, relatively little research has probed whether a history of drug use affects inmate behavior while in prison. The current study examined 1997 survey data from more than 14,000 inmates and 275 State prisons to determine whether drug use prior to incarceration is associated with (1) substance rule violations during incarceration and (2) non-substance rule violations during incarceration. The survey was part of the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, although the current analysis focused solely on State prison inmates. Variables under examination included prison rule violations per month (both substance and non-substance violations), age at interview, drug use history, race, criminal history, and length of sentence. Results of statistical analyses indicated that drug use prior to incarceration predicted higher substance and non-substance rule violation while in prison. Inmates who were younger, White, and had more prior sentences of incarceration were more likely to have substance rule violations while inmates who were younger, Black, and had more prior sentences of incarceration were more likely to have non-substance rule violations. The findings suggest the need for prison administrators to devise prevention programs aimed at incoming prisoners who have drug use histories in order to reduce rule violations among this population. Future research should probe whether prison rule violations vary by type of drug used. Tables, notes, references