August 29, 2025

RDAP Qualifying

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RDAP Qualifying

Why RDAP

If you’re going into the federal system, the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is one of the few ways to reduce time in custody (up to 12 months off, depending on sentence length). You don’t need a “prison consultant” to get in. You need literacy, honesty, and preparation—especially before your Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) interview.

I learned the power of preparation during my 26 years in federal prison. People who understood the system, documented their progress, and advocated for themselves advanced the fastest. That’s the mission behind PrisonProfessors.org—free tools and AI so you can help yourself.

What is RDAP?

RDAP is a nine-month, 500-hour cognitive-behavioral treatment program. Participants live in a treatment unit, complete group sessions, and follow program completion with aftercare while on supervision. The program is designed to change thinking and behavior—and, if you qualify, it can shorten custody.

Who Qualifies

To be RDAP-eligible, you generally must have:

  • A diagnosable substance use disorder (DSM-5 criteria), and

  • Documented use within 12 months before arrest/charge—ideally in the PSR.

Honesty in your PSR matters. Minimizing (“I only drink socially”) often disqualifies otherwise eligible people. If you truly meet criteria, be clear and specific about history, frequency, impact (e.g., blackouts, family/job consequences), and attempts to quit.

Government sources to review: BOP.gov → Substance Abuse Treatment / RDAP; U.S. Courts resources on presentence reports. For broader sentencing context, see U.S. Sentencing Commission materials on §3553(a).

What To Say

If accurate for you, your PSR interview should reflect:

  • When use began and substances involved

  • Frequency/amount in the 12 months pre-arrest

  • Consequences (health, family, work, legal)

  • Attempts to quit / prior counseling or medical notes

If the PSR is already submitted and omits qualifying details, speak with counsel about supplemental documentation (e.g., licensed provider records within the required window) and seeking a judicial recommendation for treatment in the Statement of Reasons.

What RDAP Isn’t

RDAP isn’t something anyone can “get you into” for a fee. The BOP’s drug abuse treatment staff make the decision using policy and your documented history. Be wary of anyone promising outcomes.

Time Credits & Stacking

RDAP reductions can pair with:

  • First Step Act earned time credits (if your offense qualifies), and

  • Statutory good time
     Stacking these (when eligible) can significantly reduce custody and accelerate transition to home confinement. See BOP.gov → First Step Act for disqualifying offenses and program lists.

Build Your Record

Use our free tools to strengthen self-advocacy:

  • Profiles (top-right on PrisonProfessors.org): biography, journals, book reports, certificates, release plan

  • Courses: Preparing for Success After Prison and other evidence-based work

  • AI Help Button: ask targeted questions, 24/7, for free

For one-on-one guidance, our nonprofit sponsor hosts free interactive webinars at WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit.

Key Takeaways

  • RDAP can reduce custody up to 12 months—but only if you truly qualify and your PSR documents it.

  • The 12-month pre-arrest window and DSM-5 criteria are pivotal.

  • You don’t need a consultant; you need accurate PSR detail, supporting records, and disciplined preparation.

  • Stack RDAP with FSA credits (if eligible) and good time for maximum impact.

  • Document growth publicly in your Prison Professors profile to support sentencing, BOP reviews, and later relief.

Self-Directed Exercise

Publish these as separate entries in your Prison Professors profile (creates a time-stamped mitigation record):

  1. Use History (150–250 words): Factually describe your substance use in the 12 months pre-arrest—substances, frequency, consequences, and any quit attempts (only if accurate).

  2. Treatment Plan: List 3 concrete steps (e.g., counseling, mutual-aid meetings, CBT workbooks) you’ll pursue now and in custody; add how you’ll verify completion.

  3. Evidence Folder: Upload or inventory medical/provider notes, counseling receipts, or affidavits that corroborate DSM-5 criteria and timing.

Release Alignment: Write how RDAP participation supports your reentry plan (employment, family, health, supervision compliance).