Diddy Secures Spot in Prison Rehab Program: Could Early Release be Next Step?

Diddy Approved for Drug Rehab Program in Prison: Could It Lead to a Shorter Sentence? A federal judge has granted Sean "Diddy" Combs' request to participate in the Bureau of Prisons' Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) while serving his sentence for prostitution-related crimes. The nine-month treatment program could potentially lead to a shorter sentence for the rapper, who was sentenced last week to an additional three years in prison. According to court documents, Judge Arun Subramanian approved Combs' participation in the RDAP on Wednesday, October 8. Combs' team had written to the court that the program would help him address his drug abuse issues, and prosecutors took no position on the matter. "This is a positive development for Mr. Combs," said his lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We believe this program will provide him with the tools he needs to overcome his addiction and become a productive member of society." Combs has been in a pretrial jail facility since his arrest last year on charges related to orchestrating drug-fueled sex marathons between his girlfriends and male escorts. While Combs has denied that these activities violated federal law, his lawyers conceded during trial that he obviously has a drug problem. The RDAP program is designed to provide intensive treatment for inmates struggling with substance abuse. Participants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of counseling and therapy over the course of nine months. If successful, participants can receive up to 12 months off their sentence. Experts say that participation in the RDAP program could have significant implications for Combs' sentence. "If he completes the program successfully, it's possible that he could be eligible for early release," said Dr. Mark Kleiman, a leading expert on substance abuse treatment and sentencing policy. "However, this is not a guarantee, and much will depend on his behavior while in the program." Combs has not yet been assigned to a prison to serve out his sentence. His lawyers have requested that he be transferred to a facility with a strong RDAP program, where he can receive the treatment he needs. As Combs begins this new chapter in his life, many are left wondering what the future holds for the rapper. Will he successfully complete the RDAP program and emerge from prison as a reformed individual? Only time will tell. Background: Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced last week to an additional three years in prison for orchestrating drug-fueled sex marathons between his girlfriends and male escorts. The charges were related to prostitution crimes, which Combs has denied violating federal law. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Mark Kleiman, a leading expert on substance abuse treatment and sentencing policy, believes that participation in the RDAP program could have significant implications for Combs' sentence. "If he completes the program successfully, it's possible that he could be eligible for early release," said Dr. Kleiman. Current Status: Combs has been granted permission to participate in the RDAP program while serving his sentence. He has not yet been assigned to a prison and is awaiting transfer to a facility with a strong RDAP program. Next Developments: As Combs begins this new chapter in his life, many are left wondering what the future holds for the rapper. Will he successfully complete the RDAP program and emerge from prison as a reformed individual? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Billboard.*