Where Oh, Where Is RDAP?

The RDAP Director interviewed me to evaluate my alcohol addiction last week and diagnosed me with a severe alcohol addiction. I am scheduled to begin the next class of RDAP, but now for the wrinkle. The regional director for this prison complex canceled the RDAP program effective immediately. The program is being shut down by the end of summer. The RDAP staff is frantic for a solution to graduate the candidates already scheduled and those currently working through the program.

I am thankful I have been able to attend AA meetings each week while at the camp, but RDAP would be a wonderful tool to fill in the blanks and truly help me overcome this problem. The psychologist rounded up the RDAPers for a town hall meeting to discuss the closure. Everyone is being transferred to new camps that have RDAP, so we can finish the program. Of course, the BOP takes forever to make changes, and I am worried about a timely outcome.

My adjustment to prison life is easier each day. The rules are easier, the count is easier, the food is edible most days, the routine is relaxing, and the job is simple enough. Everyone works at this camp; truthfully, it’s being converted into a work camp to provide labor to support the staff at the medium prison, maximum-security prison, and the supermax prison.

I am supremely happy that I have a strong brotherhood of AA members; we meet four times each week and I have made remarkable progress in conquering this cunning and baffling disease. And there I go again... there is no conquering, but one must learn to live sober and recognize the desire for alcohol does not end. This is the brutality of alcoholism, but to be a victim is worse. My wife insists we should never be victims, but overcome instead. I am certain of her wisdom. So sober it shall be in my life, but I admit the struggle is challenging.

I remain hopeful the BOP will reach a timely solution to the RDAP turmoil they created at the camp. I’m not sure what will happen, so I remain faithful to the AA strategy.