Understanding Alcohol and Drug Evaluations: When and Why They’re Required

An Alcohol and Drug Evaluation is often required following an incident that suggests possible substance misuse. This is usually mandated by the courts and sometimes by employers or state agencies. The evaluation serves a critical role: assessing whether a person’s substance use presents a risk to themselves or others, and if treatment or education is needed.

Common Incidents

1. DUI, DWI, or Drugged Driving Arrests

Even a first-time offense can result in a court-mandated Judges and probation officers often require it to determine if there is an underlying pattern of substance misuse or if the incident was isolated.

2. Drug Possession or Paraphernalia Charges

In these cases, a substance use evaluation helps legal professionals assess the risk of reoffending and determine the level of intervention needed.

3. Workplace Violations or Accidents

This is especially common in industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which requires a comprehensive SAP evaluation and a return-to-duty process for any drug or alcohol violation.

4. School or College Violations

School resource officers or campus administrators may refer students to complete an evaluation before returning to classes or extracurricular

5. Child Custody or Family Court Cases

The results can influence custody decisions, supervised visitation requirements, and treatment conditions.

6. Mental Health Crisis or Behavioral Concerns

Hospitals, therapists, or social services may require an evaluation to determine whether substances are contributing to a mental health crisis.

7. Probation or Parole Requirements

The evaluation helps determine whether additional treatment, monitoring, or restrictions should be added to probation terms.

Where to Start?

At AACS Counseling, we specialize in Alcohol and Drug Evaluations. Not only do we have competitive pricing, but we also offer virtual as well as in-person appointments for your convenience. For more information, please visit our website www.aacscounseling.com.

“If you’re facing a legal issue or need a professional evaluation, AACS Counseling is here to help. Call us today at 800.683.7745 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.”

DUI Evaluation – Professional DUI Assessments | AACS Counseling

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), one of the first steps in the legal process is often a DUI evaluation. This crucial assessment helps the court determine the extent of any substance use issues and what kind of treatment, if any, may be appropriate. At AACS Counseling, we specialize in providing professional, confidential DUI evaluations that meet court, probation, and DMV requirements.

What Is a DUI Evaluation?

A DUI Evaluation (sometimes called a drug and alcohol evaluation or alcohol assessment) is a structured assessment conducted by a licensed substance abuse professional.

The goal is to:

Understand your history of substance use
Determine the impact of alcohol or drugs on your driving behavior
Identify any potential substance use disorder
Recommend appropriate education or treatment options

At AACS Counseling, our DUI evaluations are comprehensive, judgment-free, and designed to help you move forward with your case.

Who Needs a DUI Evaluation?

You may be required to complete a DUI assessment if:

You’ve been arrested or convicted of a DUI or DWI
A court or probation officer mandates it
You are trying to get your driver’s license reinstated
You’re required to complete DUI classes or a substance abuse treatment program

Courts often use the results of your evaluation to decide the appropriate level of intervention—ranging from educational classes to outpatient counseling or more intensive programs.

What to Expect During Your DUI Evaluation

At AACS Counseling, the DUI evaluation process is straightforward and respectful. Here’s what typically happens:

Personal Interview
You’ll discuss your personal history, substance use, and the circumstances of your DUI arrest.
Standardized Screening Tools
We use evidence-based tools to assess the severity of any alcohol or drug use.
Review of Legal Documents
You may need to provide your arrest report, BAC (blood alcohol content), and other relevant documents.
Written Report
After the evaluation, we provide a detailed report with recommendations for treatment or education, which you can submit to the court or legal authority.

Why Choose AACS Counseling for Your DUI Evaluation?

AACS Counseling has years of experience helping clients navigate the legal system with compassion and professionalism. We offer:

Licensed and certified evaluators
Same-day appointments and fast report turnaround
Remote/online DUI evaluations available
Accepted by courts, probation, and DMVs across the state

We understand how stressful a DUI charge can be. Our goal is to provide support, not judgment, and help you fulfill your legal requirements with dignity and ease.

Schedule Your DUI Evaluation Today

If you need a court-ordered DUI evaluation or are unsure where to start, AACS Counseling is here to help. We offer flexible scheduling, affordable pricing, and expert guidance throughout the process.

Contact AACS Counseling today to book your DUI assessment and take the first step toward resolution and recovery.

Understanding DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations: Compliance, Testing, and Return to Duty Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) ensures public safety by enforcing strict alcohol and drug testing regulations for safety-sensitive employees. If they are caught violating those regulations, they will be required to complete a DOT Return to Duty Program.

Who Must Comply with DOT Drug and Alcohol Regulations?

DOT regulations apply to employees in safety-sensitive positions across multiple transportation sectors, including:

Commercial truck and bus drivers (regulated by FMCSA)
Pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers (regulated by the FAA)
Train engineers and conductors (regulated by the FRA)
Maritime crew members (regulated by the USCG)
Pipeline workers and control room operators (regulated by PHMSA)
Transit employees (regulated by FTA)

If an employee performs duties that affect transportation safety, such as operating a vehicle or conducting maintenance, they are subject to DOT testing requirements.

When Are Employees Tested?

DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 40) outline mandatory drug and alcohol testing under the following circumstances:

Pre-employment – Before an individual begins safety-sensitive work
Random testing – Unannounced and statistically selected throughout the year
Reasonable suspicion – Based on observed behavior or appearance
Post-accident – After qualifying accidents
Return-to-duty – After a previous violation and before resuming work
Follow-up testing – Conducted over at least 12 months after returning to duty

What Substances are Tested For?

DOT drug tests screen for the following five drug classes:

Marijuana (THC)
Cocaine
Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and ecstasy)
Opioids (including codeine, morphine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl)
Phenyclidine (PCP)

Alcohol testing is also performed using breath or saliva to detect concentrations at or above 0.02%

Consequences of a Positive Test

If an employee tests positive for drugs or has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater, they must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties and referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).

Consequences include:

Mandatory evaluation by a DOT-qualified SAP
Completion of an education and/or treatment program
Successful return-to-duty test
Unannounced follow-up testing (minimum of 6 times in the first 12 months) Refusing to test or tampering with a test carries the same consequences as a positive Employer Responsibilities

DOT-regulated employers are required to:

Develop a written drug and alcohol testing policy
Use certified laboratories and trained collectors
Maintain records and report violations to the appropriate authorities (e.g., FMCSA Clearinghouse)
Ensure employees receive education on testing procedures and consequences

Completing the DOT Return to Duty Program

At AACS Counseling, we specialize in the DOT Return to Duty Program. We help guide employees through the necessary steps to become eligible to return to work.

“If you’re facing a legal issue or need a professional evaluation, AACS Counseling is here to help. Call us today at 800.683.7745 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.”

DOT’s Return to Duty

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) program evaluates employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. The program is intended to ensure that employees are fit to return to safety-sensitive jobs. In this article, we will go over what the DOT SAP program consists of and a step-by-step process of what needs to be done to complete it.

How the program works:

A DOT-qualified SAP evaluates the employee
The SAP makes recommendations for education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare
The employee completes the recommended education and treatment
The SAP reassesses the employee’s condition
If the SAP is satisfied, they complete a report and prescribe follow-up tests

The Return to Duty Process

The DOT SAP Program follows a strict return to duty protocol, per the Department of Transportation. This process includes the following steps:

The employee selects a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional
The SAP carries out an initial evaluation
The SAP recommends education or treatment based on the information gathered during the evaluation
Once the recommendations are fulfilled, the employee returns to the SAP for the follow-up evaluation and testing.
The employee is then administered a DOT certified return to duty drug and alcohol test at the employer’s discretion.
After confirmation of a negative test result, the employee is now eligible to return to duty and must proceed with the employer.
The employer administers the follow-up testing plan at the direction of the SAP for a period of 12 months(minimum) to 60 months (maximum)

Benefits of working with AACS Counseling:

Choosing the right evaluation service is crucial to ensure you’re meeting the necessary requirements for your return to duty. At AACS Counseling, we specialize in SAP Evaluations that help guide employees through the steps needed to return to work. Not only is our DOT SAP Program one of the lowest costing options out there, you can also complete it from the comforts of your own home.

“If you’re facing a legal issue or need a professional evaluation, AACS Counseling is here to help. Call us today at 800.683.7745 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.

Why is Marijuana Illegal?

Before diving into the history of marijuana, if you are facing a drug charge and require an Alcohol and Drug Evaluation (Georgia) (Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur), you can contact AACS counseling for more info. Their contact information will be at the end of this article.

History of Marijuana in the United States:

The United States’ relationship with marijuana dates back to the Colonial Era, according to the University of Georgia’s school of law. Hemp production (the cannabis plant) was encouraged by the government in the 1600s for the production of rope, sails, and clothing. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that imports replaced hemp. In the late 1900s, marijuana became a popular ingredient in many medicinal products and was sold openly in pharmacies.

After the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Mexican immigrants flooded into the United States, bringing with them the recreational use of marijuana. The drug became associated with the immigrants and the fear that came with that idea spurred an anti-drug campaign. By 1931, 29 states had outlawed marijuana.

In 1937, Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act, which criminalized marijuana. In the 1950s, federal laws which set mandatory sentences for drug-related offenses were enacted. In the 1960s attitudes towards marijuana became more lenient as reports came out that marijuana did not induce violence or lead to the use of heavier drugs. By 1970, Congress repealed most of the mandatory penalties for drug-related offenses.

In 1972, the bipartisan Shafer Commission determined that personal use of marijuana should be decriminalized. Nixon rejected the recommendation, but throughout the 1970s, eleven states decriminalized marijuana and most others reduced their penalties.

However, the 1980s War on Drugs reversed all of that and mandatory sentences were re-enacted by President Reagan. The “three strikes you’re out” policy, required life sentences for repeat drug offenders. Afterwards, another major shift happened in 1996. California passed Proposition 215 allowing for the sale and medical use of marijuana for patients with AIDS, cancer, and other serious painful diseases.

States that have decriminalized marijuana:

States that have decriminalized marijuana include Alaska (also now with legal provisions), California, Colorado (also now with legal provisions), Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon (also now with legal provisions), Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington (also now with legal provisions), and the District of Columbia (also now with legal provisions).

In some instances, certain cities of a state have also begun to decriminalize marijuana up to a certain amount. Even when it’s still illegal in the state (i.e, Atlanta, Savannah, etc.)

Types of Marijuana charges and their penalties:

What happens if you are facing a marijuana charge:

One of the first things the court will mandate is to take a Substance Abuse Evaluation. You can search for Alcohol and Drug evaluation for providers in your area. Make sure the providers are certified and licensed to complete your assessment. AACS counseling is often a popular choice. This is because they offer a virtual substance abuse assessment, as well as an in-person assessment. If you need your evaluation done quickly, they are the place for you. Within two business days is the standard with them, although they usually finish sooner. If you need your evaluation finalized the same day, you can also pay a rush fee to get it within the next hour or two.

“If you’re facing a legal issue or need a professional evaluation, AACS Counseling is here to help. Call us today at 800.683.7745 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.”

Sources cited
https://libguides.law.uga.edu/c.php?g=522835&p=3575350

Reclaiming Your Road Back After a DUI Evaluation with AACS Atlanta

It’s getting late, and you’re returning to your car. You had a few drinks, not enough to get you drunk, but enough to get you tipsy. It’s okay, though, because you’re only 15 minutes from the house, so you should be well. You don’t even notice the cop who pulled out as you left the bar. Suddenly, there are flashing lights behind you. You see the blue and red, and your heart drops.

As you get pulled over, you start thinking about what to tell the cop. You’re wondering why he pulled you over. Was I speeding? Is he going to smell it? Luckily, you keep a pack of gum in the car and start chewing on a piece. You also rolled down the windows to air out any potential smell of alcohol from the vehicle. The cop walks up and, after going over your license and registration, starts questioning you about your night. You tell him you were at the bar and had a few beers with friends, but that’s it. You find out he stopped you because of failure to maintain a lane. After some more questioning, he asks if you would be willing to take a breathalyzer to gauge the BAC in your body. You take your chances and say yes. Although you’re nervous, you feel confident you’re under the limit. Next thing you know, you’re in handcuffs and getting processed through the court systems and are now left with a series of requirements you must complete to put this case behind you.

DUI Evaluations

One of the first requirements you have to complete is a DUI clinical evaluation. It’s essential to ensure the provider you visit is certified by the state. Otherwise, any evaluations obtained from them will be null and void. There are a few state-certified providers, with AACS Counseling being one of the more prominent professionals specializing in these court-mandated assessments.

The following terms fall under the same umbrella for DUI evaluations:

DUI: Driving Under the Influence,
DWI: Driving While Intoxicated,
OWI: Operating While Intoxicated,
BUI: Boating Under the Influence,
BWI: Boating While Intoxicated

There are two kinds of DUI evaluations:

An in-state DUI is a DUI offense that occurs within the State where the driver is licensed. The driver is subject to the laws and penalties of that State.
An out-of-state DUI is a DUI offense that occurs outside the State where the driver is licensed. The driver is subject to the laws and penalties of the State where the offense occurred.

There are also subcategories for the two kinds of DUIs.

Multiple offender (2 DUIs within 10 years)
Habitual offender (3 DUIs or more within 10 years)
License Reinstatement
Michigan/Illinois
Oklahoma

Risk Reduction Program (DUI School)

After the DUI evaluation, the next step is to complete a 20-hour Risk Reduction Program (RRP). AACS counseling also offers this service. For more information, click on the link below.

https://www.aacscounseling.com/dui-school-risk-reduction-program-rrp/

If you’re facing a legal issue or need a professional evaluation, AACS Counseling is here to help. Call us today at 800.683.7745 or visit our website to schedule your appointment

DUI Clinical Evaluation in GA

DUI (Driving Under Influence) clinical evaluation also known as Alcohol/ Drug Clinical Evaluation begins with a scheduled one-on-one session between the person charged with DUI and the state approved SAP(Substance Abuse Professional). When an individual is charged with DUI, careless/reckless driving by the state, judge, attorney, or probation office, he/she has to get their clinical evaluation done for DUI before or after court proceedings. DUI evaluations is state-regulated. However, it is suggested to get the clinical evaluation done prior to your appearance in the court to show your good faith and accountability.
Evaluation is a one-hour session which has to be booked by the violater priorly with the clinical evaluator. Our professional will verify your exposure to substance abuse for different drugs while ensuring the confidentiality of the session. After the completion of the session our authorized clinician determines whether you need any sort of education, counseling, program or treatment. The final recommendation is explained to you before being handed over to you in writing. If he suggests some treatment program then, any violation in terms of attendance and other procedure during the course of the program will lead to a further violation on your part.
Our clinical evaluators are highly experienced and well knowledgeable to help you sort out your difficulties and set you on the right track. You can fix your appointment to let them guide you towards the right course of action. The majority of the offenders are afraid of the fact that they will be directed towards the treatment program however, it is not so. Each individual is analysed by our professional considering their history, evaluation of their link with drug and alcohol abuse with proper use of available professional assessment tools and then only, we arrive on giving the accurate and fair recommendations for each case.

When do you need a Substance abuse professional in your life?

A sap substance abuse professional is an advocate for neither the employer nor the worker. Their recommendations protect the general public safety if the worker returns to the performance of safety-sensitive functions.

A DOT recognized drug abuse Professional must be one among the following:
A licensed physician (Doctor of drugs or Osteopathy)
A licensed or certified caseworker
A licensed or certified psychologist
A licensed or certified employee assistance professional
An alcohol and substance abuse counsellor **

This program includes information on the nine required content areas designated in DOT Section 281(c) of Part 40. Content areas include a summary of the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, the drug and alcohol testing rules, and key DOT drug testing requirements.

WHAT DOES An SAP DOT?

The SAP’s fundamental responsibility is to supply a comprehensive face-to-face assessment and clinical evaluation to determine the level of assistance the worker needs to resolve problems related to alcohol use or prohibited drug use. The SAP then recommends a course of education and/or treatment with which the worker must demonstrate successful compliance before returning to DOT safety-sensitive duty.

Treatment recommendations can include but aren’t limited to In-patient treatment, partial in-patient treatment, out-patient treatment, education schemes, and aftercare. Education recommendations can include but aren’t limited to bona find drug and alcohol education courses, self-help groups, and community lectures. Upon determining the simplest recommendation for assistance, the SAP will function as a referral source to help the employee enter a suitable program.

Before the employee’s return to safety-sensitive duties, the SAP will have a face-to-face follow-up evaluation with the worker to work out if the individual has demonstrated successful compliance with recommendations of the initial evaluation.

This evaluation must be accomplished before an employer can consider the worker for return to safety-sensitive functions. Therefore, the evaluation serves to supply the employer with assurance that the worker has made appropriate clinical progress sufficient to return to duty.

What are DOT Assessments? Why are they important?

DOT Assessments are drug test regulated by the govt – specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT).

In 1991, the U.S. Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act once they recognized the necessity for a drug and alcohol-free transportation industry. The Act required DOT agencies to implement drug and alcohol testing of safety-sensitive employees to take care of the security of the travelling public and workers.

The DOT’s drug screening rules and procedures are listed within Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40, commonly referred to as “Part 40.” An office publishes these rules within the DOT: The Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC).

DOT agencies and, therefore, the U.S. Coast Guard write industry-specific regulations that specify who is subject to testing, when, and in what situations. The transportation industry drug and alcohol testing program may be a critical element of the Department of Transportation’s safety mission.

Working closely with the industry, we have, over time, seen the number of crashes and accidents linked to drug and alcohol use by safety-sensitive employees decline. Still, human risk factors remain, so there is much work to be done, and that we cannot rest until we have eliminated the damaging risk posed by illegal drug use and alcohol misuse within the transportation industries we oversee.

Safety is our highest priority, and that we are committed to making sure that transportation employees are drug and alcohol-free. Employers should confirm that employees understand the private and professional consequences of failing to comply, and supervisors must be trained to spot the signs of drug use and alcohol misuse.

Employers must even have strong drug and alcohol testing programs, and employees must be far away from safety-sensitive duties immediately if they need to violate drug and alcohol testing rules. Employees must not be returned to safety-sensitive duties until they need been referred for evaluation and have successfully complied with treatment recommendations.

Advantages of Online SAP Evaluation Georgia

Substance abuse is a serious problem that is prevailing in the society. People find it an easy way to deal with stress and depression. But in long run, this can have serious adverse affects on physical and mental health. The substance abuse professionals play vital role in providing treatment and guidance in recovery from addiction. They evaluate the situation and recommend various solutions through their friendly and informative sessions. Online SAP evaluation is trending nowadays as it saves your time and hassles of going to the center. Let’s check out some of the advantages of virtual SAP evaluation:

The best thing about online evaluation is the 24 hours of treatment availability. There are many platforms where patients can get services online. Addicted person may feel the temptation and craving for substance abuse at any time. An online counseling program that is available round the clock may be useful in getting the right guidance at right time. Online SAP evaluation is effective in suppressing some side effects on time.
You can keep your identity as anonymous. If you are uncomfortable in revealing the identity, then you can undergo online SAP evaluation. Most of the people who are facing the problem of addiction may undergo treatment and have the advantage of counseling without going to the center physically.
These counseling programs are flexible. You can select the session according to your own schedule. So if you have classes or a job, then also attending these sessions won’t be difficult. You can connect through mobile, laptop or desktop. The Tele-health virtual evaluations are gaining popularity nowadays and if done through verified professionals, the report can be considered in court as well.
Online Tele-therapy session can be one-on-one or in groups. You can select the setting according to your need. Isn’t it amazing that you can get online SAP evaluation for effective treatment by sitting at home!