Author: AACS SEO

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.

Return to Duty

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. 

Mental Health Evaluation

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!

Virtual Alcohol and Drug Evaluation

Have you been suffering from alcohol or drug abuse? Do you need professional help to diagnose and treat the symptoms of addition? If yes, then substance abuse professionals are there to help you. In case you have a busy schedule or don’t want to take risk of transportation during COVID-19 pandemic, then you may also opt for virtual alcohol and drug evaluation.

  • The Tele-health DUI evaluations are considered approved in the court, if performed by verified professionals. If you are worker who has violated the rules and regulations set by the US Department of Transportation, then you may undergo virtual alcohol and drug evaluation to get a green signal for returning back to duty.

You have to become a part of the program where proper education, treatment and follow-up plan is offered to the patient by the evaluators. These online face-to-face evaluations enable the patients to recover from this addiction without facing many difficulties. The substance abuse professionals also take the contact numbers of the family members and friends to ensure the recovery phase is smooth.

  • Free online alcohol and drug tests are also available nowadays. These are created for general assessment and do not take place of in-clinic face-to-face sessions with the SAP. It is basically an assessment that a person can give to determine the current position.

In this assessment, some questions are asked from the person. The duration of this assessment is only 5 minutes. After completion of this assessment, the person gets general feedback. Remember that you must be honest while giving the answers because they are meant to analyse your behavioral pattern, thoughts and actions.

When everything is going digital, the above mentioned are some of the ways in which substance abuse professionals are providing help online. If you need virtual alcohol and drug evaluation, then you may contact American Alternative Court Services for more help.

Role of SAP for DOT in Recovery from Addiction

Addiction is bad! It is harmful for any individual and the society. A person who is addicted to drugs and alcohol needs to be treated and should not be allowed to work at any place. Is that an easy task? No, this recovery requires help from professionals known as Substance Abuse Professional. Let’s understand the role of SAP for DOT:

  • Build therapeutic alliance with patients

For best treatment it is necessary for the counselors to create a bond with the patients. SAP has to show interest in the patient’s case. A good Substance abuse counselor stays attentive during the sessions and tries to understand the main problem behind the addiction.

  • Keeps the patient motivated throughout the treatment

Leaving the consumption of alcohol or drug is entirely in the hands of the patient. Bringing change in the behaviour requires a lot of patience, encouragement and motivation. SAP for DOT ensures that the person is treated with warmth, empathy and friendliness. They try to understand the behavioral pattern and prescribe some methods according to that.

  • Avoid situation of relapse

It is possible that the patient again starts taking drugs or alcohol after showing a bit of improvement during the treatment. SAPs make a proper plan to prevent such situation. It has to be taken care of from the very early stages of recovery. What can be done to make certain that the patient says ‘no’ to such temptations? To deal with this, SAPs analyse the history of relapses, list out the warning signs and ways to tackle them, take help from support network and recommend some changes in lifestyle.

If you are looking for an expert SAP for DOT, then you can contact American Alternative Court Services. Our programs are designed to provide you a new perspective towards living a healthy life.

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation: Things to consider before choosing the service

It is important to choose a reliable service alcohol and drug evaluation Marietta for court. This assessment is required by the court to solve various cases. There are certain points that the person must consider before availing the service:

  • Credentials of the professional

You must check the experience and qualification of the evaluator. Experienced professionals know the right way to treat the person. They don’t unnecessarily over-diagnose or over-treat the person. Check whether the evaluator has a license and there is no disciplinary action against the substance abuse professional.

  • Unique report

Make sure that the evaluator provides a unique and properly filled report including the severity of addiction and the treatment plan. SAP who only fills out a preformatted evaluation form is considered quite unprofessional by the court.

  • Check report before the court

Ask whether it is possible to review the report before forwarding it to the court. It is an important document that determines the future, so it should be reviewed to avoid any error.

  • Need of drug test

Drug test is done through a urine screen. It is an important part of alcohol and drug evaluation Marietta. In some cases this report is not essential but in some cases comments of evaluator are essential.

  • Cost of assessment

You have to pay almost $200 for a basic alcohol test that can be considered as appropriate for the court. Make sure that you don’t compromise on quality of the report. The court can reject the evaluation if complete credentials and relevant information are missing in the report.

  • Reviews about service

Research about the reviews received by the evaluator regarding the service offered. Always take your report from an authorized professional to avoid any issue in court.

Now that you have gone through all the points, making the right decision may not be very difficult for you. American Alternative Court Service is perfect place where you can get the alcohol and drug evaluation Georgia done with the help of experienced counselors.