Home detention is no holiday, as one offender can confirm.
The 38-year-old, who did not want to be named, was sentenced to one year's home detention and is three months into that term.
''The first month, I actually felt like I wanted to go to jail,'' she says.
''You go from having freedom to having your freedom gone, even though you're at home.''
As a solo mother, the woman is allowed one hour a week to stock up on groceries, under strict supervision.
Anything she forgets must be bought by someone else, usually her children, she says.
''It's hard on my kids.
''I have to rely on people, but it's not someone else's job to do that.
''But it's a privilege to get home detention - at least I get to be with my kids.''
The woman goes to rehabilitation centre Moana House once a week for counselling on decision-making, problem-solving and about drugs including alcohol.
Exercise is encouraged but is kept to a low intensity to prevent damage to the electronic monitoring bracelet, the woman's probation officer, Kerry Quigley, said.
The bracelets can be worn in the shower but cannot be fully submerged in water.
''They're pretty sensitive. It lets you know if someone is trying to mess with it.''
