When a commercial driver or other DOT-regulated employee fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test, they are immediately removed from duty. What follows is a federally mandated recovery and compliance path known as the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program.

So, how does the SAP program work? Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:

✅ Step 1: Violation & Removal from Duty
You test positive, refuse a test, or otherwise violate DOT regulations. You're immediately removed from any safety-sensitive duties.

✅ Step 2: SAP Referral
You are referred to a DOT-qualified SAP—a certified counselor trained to evaluate your condition and guide your Return-to-Duty process.

✅ Step 3: SAP Evaluation
A clinical face-to-face or virtual assessment is conducted. The SAP reviews your substance use history and recommends either treatment or education.

✅ Step 4: Treatment or Education Completion
You complete the prescribed program—this could range from brief educational courses to full-scale outpatient or inpatient treatment.

✅ Step 5: Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
The SAP re-evaluates your progress. If you’ve met all requirements, they’ll issue a recommendation stating you are eligible for Return-to-Duty testing.

✅ Step 6: Return-to-Duty Drug Test
You must pass a DOT-observed drug/alcohol test with a negative result to return to work.

✅ Step 7: Follow-Up Testing Plan
Your SAP creates a custom follow-up testing schedule, typically involving at least 6 random tests over the next 12 months, and possibly up to 5 years.

"The SAP program isn’t just about compliance—it’s about recovery and long-term safety," says a licensed counselor from AACS Counseling, a nationwide provider of DOT-qualified SAP services.

📞 Call Now or Visit Us:

Office: 800-683-7745
🌐 DOT Qualified SAP Program: https://www.aacscounseling.com/dot-qualified-sap-program/
🌐 SAP Evaluations Nationwide: https://sap-evaluation.com/

We provide confidential, same-day SAP evaluations to help you take the next right step.

About AACS Counseling:
AACS Counseling is a trusted provider of DOT-qualified SAP evaluations, Return-to-Duty programs, and court-mandated assessments. Serving clients across the United States, we help individuals return to work legally, safely, and confidently