At Tasmania's Risdon Prison, writing is considered part of the healing process.

Prisoners are given the opportunity to learn how to express themselves on paper, because it is believed that acknowledgement is the first step to rehabilitation.

Ice was the most prominent subject in the 40-odd pieces of work produced. ( ABC News: David Fraser )

They are given a theme to help them through the process.

The theme this year is "a good mate" - ironic, considering the drug ice featured as the most prominent subject in the 40-odd pieces of work which have just been produced.

Prisoners wrote of broken promises, losing everything that mattered to them, missing out on watching their children grow, and self-medicating to block out their hurt and shame.

Shaun called his poem The Demon Within.

It's destroying lives, eating away at society and this drug's called ice! Take it from me because it has taken from me, my kid, my life and my personality. You turn on your mates at the drop of a hat, and you're past the point of ever turning back, So heed my words put an end to the madness, can't you see it's absurd, brings nothing but sadness."

The writing project is hoped to go some way in addressing low literacy levels. ( ABC News: David Fraser )

Cain describes himself as a soul beyond redemption.

This battle hardened body also carries the weight of a severely tortured mind, The only memories I can recall are those of trauma, not of good times."

Simon Burrett, literacy coordinator at Risdon, said the program gave inmates a chance to reveal themselves to the world as artists.

The writings, along with other art, are on public display as part of the Artists With Conviction exhibition, a Tasmanian Prison Service initiative now in its seventh year.

For some inmates, it gives them a chance to connect with their loved ones.

The project aims to give inmates an outlet, in the hope they can avoid reoffending in future. ( ABC News: David Fraser )

Rebecca's prose entry is a plea to her brother.

You have hit me and your family when you have come down off the ice. That's not the life you want to live, is it? I pray for the day you end up back in jail, at least I know you're not on the ice and safe.

Literacy and numeracy rates in prison are especially low. ( ABC News: David Fraser )

Adam tackled the impact on society, taking on the voice of the addictive drug in his poem.

I've got school boys burning their books, and beauty queens neglecting their looks. I've got crims robbing the Court House, and husband's pimping their spouse.

The project is part of 26TEN week, which aims to highlight Tasmania's low adult literacy and numeracy levels.

Nearly half of all Tasmanian adults do not have adequate literacy and numeracy skills to complete everyday tasks such as operating an email account.

Inmates struggle with what drug addiction has done to their loved ones and themselves. ( ABC News: David Fraser )

Mr Burrett said in prison that figure could be as high as 90 per cent for some literacy and numeracy tasks.

He believed the exhibition helped inmates by boosting their literacy levels and giving them an opportunity to reflect on their life choices.

"For any of us it helps to write about your emotions, especially if you can't talk to anyone about it," Mr Burrett said.

There is no guarantee inmates won't be tempted to give in to their addiction once they leave prison, but it is hoped they will leave with a new outlet to express and process their emotions.

The Artists With Conviction exhibition, which includes writing and artworks by Risdon inmates, will be open to the public at the Rosny Farm until November 13.