The Troubling Rise in Cannabis Use amongst DOT-Regulated Transportation workers.

The Troubling Rise in Cannabis Use amongst DOT-Regulated Transportation workers.

Contact us

In recent months, we have witnessed a worrisome 9.2% increase in truck drivers returning positive drug tests, specifically for marijuana. What compounds this issue is the unsettling revelation that many of these individuals are neglecting enrollment in the imperative return-to-work programs, as corroborated by federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse data. To put this into context, as of the close of March, a staggering 110,856 drivers have registered positive test results since the Clearinghouse’s inauguration in January 2021, with a notable 9,344 cases arising in the initial quarter of 2023.

This predicament is further exacerbated by the revelation that, as of the same date, 129,100 drivers remain in prohibited status subsequent to failing drug tests mandated by the Department of Transportation. Astonishingly, 97,833 of them have yet to initiate the vital return-to-work program, even though 19,413 are currently eligible for retesting.

“In 2022, the overall urine drug positivity rate in the U.S. workforce persisted at 4.6% — marking the highest level in over two decades,” as reported by Quest. “While marijuana played a significant role in the spike in positive results within the U.S. workforce, amphetamines positivity also contributed to this surge.”

We acknowledge the crucial role of Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) and individuals who have faced drug-related offenses. This is where the SAP Education Institute steps in: an online, accessible, and highly effective platform. Our platform caters to a diverse array of roles, from truck drivers to flight attendants. With interventions such as cognitive restructuring, emotional exploration, mindfulness, and solution-focused thinking, you can rest assured that you or your clients will receive the most comprehensive SAP Education available. We are also focused on accessibility and reach with our platform, which is why our courses begin at just 39.95.

If you share our dedication to addressing the challenges of substance abuse or require assistance and counsel, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Together, we can make a substantial impact in upholding the integrity of our industry and ensuring the safety of our drivers.

We sincerely appreciate your attention to this pressing issue.

Warm Regards,

About the Author

Jacques Khorozian

Jacques Khorozian,

Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, MAC, SAP, CCS

Jacques Khorozian, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, SAP, CCS, is an experienced behavioral health professional with over 30 years of work in the criminal justice system, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Alternative Court Services (AACS) in Atlanta, where he conducts diagnostic and biopsychosocial assessments and develops treatment and diversion programs.

He collaborates with justice system stakeholders to improve access to behavioral health services and alternative sentencing solutions. Dr. Khorozian previously worked as a Behavioral Health Social Worker with the Fulton County Public Defender's Office, where he assessed client needs and coordinated services.

He also held a leadership role as Division Chief with the San Francisco Superior Court, managing operations and contributing to strategic initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

His professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Positive Psychology Association (AMPPA), the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA).

Dr. Khorozian has advanced certifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Family Violence Intervention Specialist, and DUI Evaluator. He is recognized for his expertise in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and culturally responsive care. His work focuses on improving population health outcomes through evidence-based behavioral health programs.


Call Now