There can be no excuse or condoning the use of isolation or sensory deprivation for prisoners. Human rights groups all over the country have decried this practice, which is certainly inhumane and arguably torture. These control units and supermax prisons seriously violate the rights of prisoners. They are used to incapacitate and demoralize those held in them.

This booklet is one humble attempt by those enduring this brutality to help others enduring this brutality. It is important to us that each of you forced to live in such circumstances maintain your mental and physical health.

• from the Acknowlements