SAP Drug Program and Alcohol Education – The Return-to-Duty Process
Employees who work in sensitive positions under the DOT jurisdiction are required to undergo preemployment, random and post-accident drug testing. If you fail the test you are required to take a mandatory DOT SAP drug and alcohol program before you can return to your safety sensitive duties. The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) has a duty to protect the safety of the public they are therefore not an advocate of the employees or the employers. Only after completing the return to duty process may the employee return to working in their safety sensitive duties, if the employer allows their return.
What to Expect – SAP Drug Program and Alcohol Education
A SAP will carry out a comprehensive face to face assessment that is accompanied by clinical evaluation testing which will determine the level of assistance the employee needs in resolving their alcohol and/or drug abuse problem. The initial evaluation usually involves psycho-social history as well as their history of drug or alcohol use. After the assessment they will recommend either a treatment option or a course of education that the employee must successfully comply with.
Recommended treatment may include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Partial in patient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- After care programs
They can also recommend educational programs such as:
- Self-help groups
- Community lectures
- Drug and alcohol educational courses
Follow-up Evaluation
After completing the recommended SAP drug treatment or alcohol education program the SAP will conduct a follow-up evaluation with the employee. This evaluation is conducted before the employer can consider the employee’s return to work status. It gives the employer assurance that the employee has made significant progress and they can return to their duties. It is up to the employer to decide if the employee is returned to safety-sensitive duties.
Even after compliance there is a risk of relapse. The SAP may recommend the employees continue in a relapse prevention program to avoid future relapse. The after care plan may include continuous education or treatment that the employee might need to deal with their problem before returning to work.
If you have an employee that has a drug or alcohol problem, or has failed a drug or alcohol test, SAP Referral Services can help. We can provide you with referral services to locate qualified SAPs in your area. For more information, get in touch with SAP Referral Services today.