In two English prisons that held both remanded and sentenced prisoners, the researchers interviewed 27 inmates (11 men and 16 women) who were identified as drug abusers through their participation in prison drug treatment programs and who were likely to be released within the time-scale of the study. In the follow-up phase of the study, researchers reinterviewed nine of the subjects after release. Researchers also discussed the prerelease and aftercare arrangements with staffs in the prisons and in the community. The study found that, although up to one-third of all inmates in these two prisons passed through the detoxification service, this information was not subsequently retained in the inmate's file and was not used for release planning. Inmates were rarely put in contact with services outside the prison, and community services (health, social services, housing, voluntary agencies) did not give ex-inmates any priority, even when they had previously been service users. Although some of the elements for an integrated service were present, better linkages and coordination were required to maximize the benefits of detoxification and drug treatment in prisons. As part of its program of drug treatment in prisons, the Government has initiated new services that will make counseling, referral, advice, and prerelease preparation available to every inmate in every prison. 2 tables and 30 references