Thomas E. Smolka petitions for writ of mandamus seeking an order prohibiting the district court from activating an alternate sentence, and disqualifying the district court judge from further involvement in his case. We conclude that Smolka is not entitled to mandamus relief.

Mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner has a clear right to the relief sought. In re First Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass’n, 860 F.2d 135, 138 (4th Cir. 1988). Further, mandamus is a drastic remedy and should be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Kerr v. United States Dist. Court, 426 U.S. 394, 402, 96 S.Ct. 2119, 48 L.Ed.2d 725 (1976); In re Beard, 811 F.2d 818, 826 (4th Cir. 1987). Mandamus may not be used as a substitute for appeal. In re United Steelworkers, 595 F.2d 958, 960 (4th Cir. 1979).

*691 The relief sought by Smolka is not available by way of mandamus. Accordingly, although we grant leave to proceed in for-ma pauperis and grant Smolka’s motions to amend his petition and to supplement the record, we deny the petition for writ of mandamus, deny Smolka’s “emergency motion,” and deny all other pending motions. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

PETITION DENIED