Summary
Not everyone qualifies for RDAP, the only federal program that can shorten your sentence by up to one year. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The nonresidential drug abuse program, known as NRDAP, gives you structured treatment, documented progress, and a real opportunity to earn more halfway house time.
In this lesson, I explain NRDAP in plain English—what it is, who qualifies, how long it lasts, and why staff rewards prisoners who complete it. You’ll also learn how NRDAP fits into a bigger strategy for building a positive BOP record, avoiding problems, and showing staff and probation that you didn’t waste your sentence.
NRDAP: A Practical Alternative When You Don’t Qualify for RDAP
Most people I work with think RDAP is the only program worth caring about. I get it—RDAP can take a year off your sentence. But not everyone is eligible for RDAP, and even people who qualify don’t always get a slot in time.
When that happens, the nonresidential drug abuse program becomes the obvious move.
NRDAP gives you:
- Real drug and alcohol treatment
- A structured, weekly therapy group
- A documented history of participation
- Consideration for more halfway house time
- Proof that you took your substance use seriously
And you don’t have to wait months or years to get in. Nearly every federal prison offers NRDAP.
What the Nonresidential Drug Abuse Program Actually Looks Like
NRDAP is a weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy group—usually:
- 90–120 minutes per week
- 12–24 weeks total
- Run by psychology or drug treatment staff
The focus is simple: How you think → How you act → How you get into trouble → How to break the cycle.
You’ll talk about patterns, triggers, impulse control, peer pressure, shame, and coping skills. I have heard great things about the program!
Who Qualifies for the Nonresidential Drug Abuse Program?
To get into the nonresidential drug abuse program, you need a documented history of substance use. That can come from:
- Your own statement
- Your Presentence Investigation Report
- Prior alcohol or drug incidents
You don’t need a dependency diagnosis. You don’t need to be “severe enough” for RDAP. If you’ve used alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, pills—anything—that history can help you get into NRDAP and show staff you’re addressing it.
NRDAP is especially helpful if:
- You don’t have enough time left on your sentence for RDAP
- You weren’t designated to an RDAP facility
- You’re waiting for a future RDAP placement
- You have a shorter sentence and still want treatment
- You want to strengthen your case for more halfway house time
Why Staff Reward NRDAP Participation?
This is the part most people miss:
Staff can reward your NRDAP participation with additional halfway house time.
Why?
Because they can see your behavior.
When you complete the nonresidential drug abuse program, staff can check off:
- You showed up
- You participated
- You took responsibility
- You addressed substance use
- You followed through on treatment
- You didn’t make excuses
- You didn’t wait for a time cut
That makes case managers more willing to support:
- Maximum RRC (halfway house) placement
- Strong progress reports
- Positive notes in your file
- Set yourself up for more liberty after you leave prison
If you’re serious about trying to get home sooner, you should take NRDAP seriously.
How to Approach NRDAP So It Actually Helps You
A few recommendations from working with thousands of people:
1. Be honest about your history.
Tell the truth, do the work.
2. Show up consistently.
Again, you must do the work!
3. Participate enough that they know you’re engaged.
Make sure they know you are committed to doing the work.
4. Keep a simple journal
Write down your dates, topics, and what you took from each session. Someday you may share this work with other stakeholders.
5. Treat NRDAP as part of your release plan—not a box to check.
The point is to show that substance use played a role in your life and you want to improve.
Continue Building A Record Through NRDAP
If you can’t get into RDAP, the nonresidential drug abuse program is still one of the most effective ways to show staff you’re committed to improcing. NRDAP is available at nearly every federal prison, and because the nonresidential drug abuse program uses cognitive behavioral therapy, staff consider it legitimate treatment. Completing the nonresidential drug abuse program also helps you qualify for more halfway house time and builds a strong record for probation and supervised release. I suggest if if you have a history of abuse.
Best,
Justin Paperny, Author of Lessons From Prison and Ethics in Motion
Frequently Asked Questions About NRDAP or Nonresidential Drug Abuse Program
What’s the main benefit of NRDAP if I can’t get RDAP?
You can still get recognized for treatment, strengthen your case for halfway house, and build a positive record that follows you through supervised release.
How long does the nonresidential drug abuse program take?
Most people finish between 12 and 24 weeks, depending on your facility and your needs.
Will the nonresidential drug abuse program reduce my sentence?
NRDAP does not reduce your sentence directly, but it can help case managers justify giving you maximum halfway house time.
Does NRDAP help with First Step Act credits?
Indirectly, yes. It helps you avoid disciplinary issues, get settled faster, participate in more programs, and build a clean record—all of which matter for FSA credits.
Does NRDAP look good to probation later?
Absolutely. Probation officers routinely ask what you did with your time inside. Finishing NRDAP shows that you didn’t waste your sentence.
Join Our Weekly Live Webinar
If you want help preparing for sentencing, surrender, or building a record that actually leads to earlier release, join our weekly Tuesday webinar.
We walk through:
- RDAP eligibility
- NRDAP strategy
- First Step Act credits
- Case manager expectations
- How to build a record that helps you earn freedom!
