Birmingham Prison was once called the worst in the country.

But this year it has been given 'pathfinder' status for the package of treatment it offers drug-addicted prisoners. Emma Pinch finds out how it is leading the way in tackling prisoners' problems...

About two-thirds of the inmates arriving at HMP Birmingham are drugs or alcohol dependent.

In an attempt to tackle their problems there are a variety of treatments available, with those with the most serious problems spending 12 days in the detox centre on J-wing.

Opened in September 2004 as part of a pilot scheme under the Safer Custody banner, the centre was designed to reduce suicides and self-harm in prison by developing a more structured reception process.

Now the prison's drug intervention unit has been given 'pathfinder' status by the Government in recognition of its efforts to tackle drug problems and cut reoffending.

The main drug problem is likely to be heroin and the majority of dependent offenders are in prison for shoplifting, burgling or dealing to support their habit, or offending while under the influence of drugs.

Co-ordinating the help available to prisoners is the 24-strong Carat team - short for counselling, assessment, advice and through care.

From arrival to departure they try and unpick the complex tangle of needs that the prisoners generally come in with - from mental health problems to housing and debt difficulties.

Senior practitioner Kam Kandola said: "In most cases their addiction links to offending. Treating drug users is treating offending.

"An allocated Carat worker gets to work on their problems as soon as they get into prison.

"Generally they want help. About 85 per cent do want to change. Some of them have very complex needs around debt, drugs, accommodation, employment, family and education. Everyone who comes in has problems in one or more of those areas."

In the detox unit, prisoners have a dedicated dining room with pictures of lighthouses in windblown seas.

At night they have hot chocolate and they also have duvets. These are more for practical reasons than comfort - they are easier to clean and minimise cross infection.

They are given a drug called subutex to minimise withdrawal symptoms.

"In the morning they are given medications, they clean their cells out and change their beds and their laundry," said Charlie Allen, who manages the detox unit.

"It is about getting them moving about, it's a good indication of seeing if they are taking a pride in themselves."

Unlike in other parts of the prison they have daily access to showers because of raised levels of perspiration when coming off drugs.

Complementary therapy - acupuncture and herbal detox teas - and drug abuse education form a major part of the day, with access to the Carat workers.

"It can be quite challenging for them, having to confront reality," said Ms Allen. "The parenting group can be emotive because of the memories it will churn out. You don't want to open up a can of worms where they will go back to their cell worrying and fretting.

"You start to see changes in their physical appearance during days three to five.

"The most difficult thing we address is people going out, reoffending and coming back. It has been difficult getting the support coming in to curb the amount of 'revolving door' cases, but agencies are working together better now."

Sometimes they can go through the cycle several times before coming off heroin for good, she said. "When they walk out the door of jail it is left to the drug appointment or right to the drug dealer.

"It is lovely to see them when they've gone out and their skin is clearer and they are showing pictures of their children or building bridges with their family and they may have a job and are full of chat and thanks. That makes the job worthwhile."