DOT employees who violate drug and alcohol regulations often receive an evaluation from a substance abuse professional or SAP. The drug abuse professional often recommends treatment, education, additional testing, and aftercare programs to ensure DOT workers maintain their sobriety. At Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, TX, clients can master the skills necessary to keep their jobs and avoid a relapse.

What Is a Substance Abuse Professional?

SAP has a direct impact on the future of some transportation workers. They interview and evaluate employees who operate public transportation vehicles while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Based on their feedback, employees may return to work or lose their jobs.

Transportation workers impacted by this role include:

Pilots
Bus drivers
Boat captains
Train and subway operators
Natural gas pipeline workers

Responsibility to the Public

A substance abuse professional doesn’t favor the employee or the employer. Their main task is to safeguard the public interest. Based on the results of their interview with the employee, they may recommend additional education, a return to duty, or termination.

In 1994, the U.S. DOT published Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules. These rules apply to transportation workers such as bus drivers and energy workers. Certified Employee Assistance Professionals (CEAPs) and five other categories of professionals can become substance abuse professionals, as long as they also meet other program guidelines.

Requirements to Be an SAP

A DOT substance abuse professional must be one of the following:

Certified social worker
Certified employee assistance professional
A Certified psychologist
Licensed marriage and family therapist
Licensed physician
Alcohol and drug abuse counselor

SAPs also complete specific training and pass a standardized test. Content areas of the certification include drug and alcohol testing rules, an overview of the DOT’s drug and alcohol test procedures, and other key requirements.

Santé Center for Healing has men’s drug rehab and women’s drug rehab programs that can help DOT employees regain their sobriety and preserve their livelihood.

Why Is the Role of an SAP Important?

A substance abuse professional provides a thorough clinical assessment of the employee. They determine the type of service needed to resolve alcohol and drug abuse disorders. Recommended programs may include education on the effects of drug and alcohol use. Before returning to work, the transportation employee has to demonstrate their compliance with DOT safety rules.

Treatment recommendations often include:

We also offer education courses, group therapy, and individual therapy for clients participating in programs recommended by a substance abuse professional.

What to Expect After Completed the Recommended Programs

Employees meet with their SAP after completing the recommended course of action. The SAP performs a follow-up assessment to decide whether the employee demonstrates the ability to return to work. A thumb’s up from a substance abuse professional ensures employers that the employee has progressed far enough to return to their job.

Substance Abuse Professional in Argyle, TX

All transportation employees referred to Santé Center for Healing receive a professional addiction assessment, This process helps our team determine the best program for your long-term recovery.

You may be referred to our residential recovery program. If so, you will receive assistance from experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, certified addiction nurses, and other professionals.

Characteristics of our unique residential treatment program include:

At Santé Center for Healing, we are happy to help those seeking addiction treatment in Argyle, TX. Let us help you attain lifelong healing and keep your transportation job intact. Contact us at 866.238.3154 to learn more about our detox and rehab programs.