Surviving in Prison

Hollywood has gone to the extreme to paint the worst possible picture of prisons and what goes on inside them. Most people that come out say it's not as bad as they make it seem in the movies, however it is no holiday trip by any means. I learned my lesson from a 120 day sentence and from what I can tell, the people that truly get by in prison without losing their minds, getting harassed, or becoming institutionalized are the ones that mind their own business. This is the most important thing to remember. Silence is definitely golden when there are plenty of people around you looking for some words to take offense to, even if you have no ill intentions behind your statement. If anyone tries to provoke you, just keep in mind what is going to help you out in the long run... staying out of trouble while you're in there.

Some say the the first thing a person should do when arriving at a prison is to find the biggest, baddest guy and punch him, letting others "know not to mess with you". This is in no way sound advice to make your stay as easy as possible until you get out. Even in prison, fighting should be absolutely a last resort in a conflict.

Find some productive things to do in there that will help you when you get back out in society. You could read books, do some work around the prison, go to classes, go to church, write stories or letters to people, or get in shape. If you do choose to lift weights in the yard or gym, avoid confrontation with anyone you don't know very well because the testosterone in the air will probably be thick enough to drown a rat in!

When you are eating dinner don't give away or trade any of your food... eat all of it. If someone asks you for something off your tray, give them a clear and direct answer and go about your business. Don't accept any food or items from other prisoners either, as some of them will assume that you owe them something in return.

Don't try and offend anyone and don't let anyone drag you into any trouble. Try and go where there are usually guards around and avoid any groups of inmates or arguments going on and you should do just fine. It all basically boils down to keeping your head up and minding your own business.