What Is the Federal RDAP Program and Who Qualifies?

By Amy B. Levenson Jones

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Drug Crimes

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Last Modified on Aug 03, 2026

If you are convicted of a drug crime, you may have more options than you are aware of. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for the federal Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which can reduce a federal inmate’s sentence upon completion. While not an immediate method of release or expungement, the RDAP program can be a viable option if you qualify. You may be asking: What is the federal RDAP program, and who qualifies? 

Having a skilled federal drug trafficking attorney in your corner while you pursue acceptance into the RDAP program can make it easier to navigate the laws that could impact your sentence. Federal drug trafficking cases can be complex and overwhelming to deal with on your own, especially after a conviction. 

Our firm can devote decades of focused criminal defense experience to your case and assist you through every step of the RDAP. A skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney can lay the foundation pre-conviction for acceptance into the program and can advocate for you post-conviction for entry into RDAP.

What Is the Federal Residential Drug Abuse Program?

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is a prison inmate sentence reduction program established by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It’s arguably their most intensive substance abuse treatment program and is only intended for drug crime inmates who qualify. 

It involves the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, and successful completion can reduce a federal inmate’s sentence by up to one year and secure an extended halfway house placement to finish the community treatment program.

There are currently six federal locations in Pennsylvania that offer the RDAP program for inmates as an intensive nine- to twelve-month treatment program. Drug crimes accounted for 43.1% of all criminal sentences in Pennsylvania in 2024, so the potential use of the RDAP program is not uncommon.

About the author: Amy B. Levenson Jones

Principal Attorney at Levenson Law Firm

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Amy B. Levenson Jones is a seasoned trial attorney and Principal of Amy B Levenson Jones LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 20 years of litigation experience in criminal and complex commercial matters, she represents clients in federal and state courts nationwide. Ms. Levenson Jones is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Fourth Circuits. She earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

Who Qualifies for the RDAP Program?

To qualify for the RDAP program and the potential sentence reduction that comes with it, inmates must meet a series of very strict clinical and offense-related criteria. If you are unsure of whether or not you meet the criteria for the RDAP program, you may want to hire a federal drug trafficking lawyer who can ask about the program on your behalf. Here are some of the important criteria you need to meet if you want to join the RDAP program for a possible sentence reduction:

• Substance use disorder. Above all, you won’t be able to enter the RDAP program if you don’t have a verifiable substance use disorder (SUD) that is diagnosed by a medical professional. This condition must have been documented as existing within the 12 months prior to your initial arrest for drug crimes.
• Sufficient time remaining. Qualifying inmates must have enough time left on their sentence, according to 28 C.F.R. § 550.53, typically at least 24 months, to participate fully in the treatment program and benefit from it. 
• No disqualifying offenses. This program is reserved for inmates with substance abuse problems and nonviolent drug crime convictions. If you have a history of violent offenses, such as homicide, robbery, arson, forcible rape, kidnapping, or aggravated assault, you are likely ineligible for the sentence reduction that comes with completion of the program.
• Volunteer status. It is important to keep in mind that this program is completely voluntary and cannot be legally forced upon you. If you are accepted into the RDAP program, you must agree to all rules and participate fully. You have to actively request to join.
• Mental health. Qualifying inmates cannot have a severe, diagnosed, and untreated mental health condition that prevents group participation. Any disciplinary infractions that occur while in prison can also lead to expulsion from the program.

FAQs

What Disqualifies You From RDAP?

There are many different behaviors and criminal histories that can disqualify you from RDAP. If you have a history of violent offenses, you won’t be considered for the program. If you have less than 24 months left in your sentence, do not have a diagnosable substance use disorder, or have a severe mental health condition, you won’t be eligible for the program either. Additionally, any disciplinary actions that occur can get you removed or disqualified from admission into the program.

What Are the Requirements for RDAP?

There are a number of important requirements that you must meet if you want to be eligible for RDAP. First and foremost, you need to have a diagnosed substance use disorder and at least 24 months left in your prison sentence to qualify. You have to be engaged in 500 hours of group and individual therapy over a nine-month period in a designated housing unit. You cannot be convicted of a violent crime or be ineligible for halfway house placement.

What Federal Prisons Have RDAP Programs?

There are currently over 70 federal prisons that operate the RDAP program, including six programs in Pennsylvania. The treatment program is considered intensive and long. It requires inmates to stay involved and dedicated to get the most out of it and qualify for the possible sentence reduction and halfway house placement. It is recommended that you speak with your Pennsylvania federal criminal defense lawyer about whether or not you qualify for the program.

How Many Hours of Treatment Do Participants in RDAP Voluntarily Commit To?

Participants in the RDAP program generally commit voluntarily to a minimum of 500 hours of substance abuse treatment over a period of nine to twelve months. The program consists of group therapy sessions, individual counseling sessions, community meetings, educational assignments, and living together in a social treatment unit away from the general prison population. First, you have to meet a series of strict requirements to be considered.

Hire a Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer for Help

Participation in the RDAP program can lead to a reduction in your sentence and placement in a halfway house, as well as treatment for your substance use disorder. This could be an opportunity to turn your life around and start fresh. 

A federal drug crime lawyer can gather evidence of your substance abuse disorder and petition the judge to recommend placement in the RDAP program. After conviction, your attorney can challenge any rejections to the program and file an appeal if necessary. At Levenson Law Firm, Amy Jones focuses on criminal matters in both state and federal cases in Pennsylvania. We can provide the guidance you need. Contact us to speak with a member of our team.