After failing a DOT drug test, a SAP evaluation is the first step toward getting back to work. This is when you meet with a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional and discuss the steps in your Return-to-Duty process. Let’s take a look at what to expect from a DOT SAP evaluation so you can approach the day with confidence.
A Professional Screening to Determine If You Have a Substance Abuse Problem
Not every failed drug test is an indication of a substance abuse problem. However, if you do have a toxic relationship with drugs or alcohol, that needs to be addressed before returning to work. Your SAP will ask questions about your history of substance use, lifestyle, past experiences, current concerns, and other factors to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Curious about what to expect from a DOT SAP evaluation? This Site provides comprehensive information to help you understand the process and its implications. Additionally, if you or someone you know is seeking support for alcoholism or substance abuse issues, consider exploring resources provided by Pacific Ridge. Click This Site to access valuable insights and learn how Pacific Ridge can assist you in your journey towards recovery and wellness.
It’s important to be honest during your SAP evaluation. If there are mental health or substance abuse issues at play, this is the ideal time to get help. Answer your SAP’s questions to the best of your abilities, and don’t feel embarrassed by the answers. This is a judgment-free process designed to get you back to work as soon as possible.
Personalized Recommendations for Treatment, Education or Counseling
After the SAP evaluation, your SAP will create a plan for your Return-to-Duty process. This may include counseling, substance abuse treatment, education classes, or other steps for you to complete. The recommendations are different for each individual.
The sooner you complete these steps, the sooner you can return to work. It is crucial that you follow the plan outlined by your SAP. If you have any questions along the way, your SAP will be happy to assist you.
A Follow-up Evaluation to Decide If You’re Ready for Work
After you’ve completed your Return-to-Duty tasks, you will have a follow-up SAP evaluation. Your SAP will discuss the progress you’ve made and determine if you are ready to return to work. As long as you have successfully and honestly completed your treatment/education, you’ll be able to take a new drug test.
A Return-to-Duty Drug Test to Clear You for Work
Before you can be released for safety-sensitive job duties, you’ll need to complete a Return-to-Duty drug test. This will be sent to your Designated Employer Representative (DER), and then your employer can decide if you can resume work or not. The Department of Transportation has no control over your employment status. Their regulations can prevent you from returning to work, but your employer decides whether you can remain an employee.
If you are fired from work but you’ve completed your SAP program, you can seek work with a different employer. If you have not completed the SAP program, you will not be eligible for any safety-sensitive jobs regulated by the DOT.
Note that after you return to work, you’ll be required to complete at least six additional drug tests for the first 12 months of your employment.
Schedule Your SAP Evaluation
Up until now, failing a DOT drug test will not cause you to lose your CDL. However, FMCSA has announced that starting in November of 2024, drivers who test positive will be placed on a “prohibited status”. They will lose their commercial driver licenses and not be issued learning permits until they complete the federal return-to-duty process.
“A CDL license will remain prohibited until FMCSA has received notification that the driver has satisfied and completed the return-to-duty process,” according to the FMCSA. “Subsequently, FMCSA removes the violation from the Clearinghouse.”
The sooner you start the Return-to-Duty process, the sooner you can return to work. American Substance Abuse Professionals has a network of over 5,000 DOT-qualified SAPs in the United States. They have helped thousands of people just like you get back to work after a failed drug test.
