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Too much of everything is bad. So is the case with so-called leisure drugs. SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) is required to conduct evaluations by DOT (Department of Transportation) for all the employees working in the safety-sensitive positions. The regulations are updated by DOT itself. Hereby, all the individuals holding the commercial driving license (CDL) are required to get themselves tested for:

• Pre-employment,
• Post-accident,

• In presence of reasonable suspicion, and

• Drug and Alcohol tests under Return-to-duty (RTD)

This is a legitimate process ordered by DOT.

The purpose of SAP evaluation is to make sure that employees in case-sensitive duties remain mentally and physically fit on/off the job. Any individual who tests positive for drug and alcohol abuse is referred to SAP for evaluation. He can only return to his duty after going through the (RTD-Return To Duty) process as specified by DOT against the violence committed in terms of Drug and Alcohol abuse. 

SAP himself is a user in the clearinghouse who is also required to register himself for conducting evaluations.

If you face the same situation, you can fix your appointment as soon as possible to qualify the RTD process and re-join your position.

SAP evaluation involves the following stages:

• Clinical interview 

This stage helps SAP in finding the presence of a problem with the person under evaluation. It leads with a simple yes or no, directing the presence or absence of underlying issues with a person’s behavior or habit. 

• Assessment: 

Once the problem has been diagnosed, it is followed by a deep understanding of the nature of the patient’s problem, followed by the treatment suggestion for handling his violent nature or drug abuse.

• The follow-up SAP Evaluation:

SAP determines the positive completion of the patient’s treatment under him. On the completion of the whole process, he has to issue

• Notice with a “Notice of Compliance,” or a “Notice of Noncompliance,” depending upon the employee’s performance throughout the treatment program under him.
• Additional educational classes or treatment (if needed) along with post-care suggestions, if deemed necessary.

• Final written report to DER (Designated Employer Representative)

If you know someone who needs immediate assistance, feel free to contact American Alternative Court Services. Our services have a proven record of helping individuals with a comprehensive, and personalized assessment and directing them towards living healthy lives. 

It should come as no surprise that drugs and alcohol can have adverse effects on your life. Although sometimes it will be challenging to imagine, the abuse of those substances can change everything from your body to your checking account.

So, before you reach for that bottle or that pipe, do not ditch these harmful effects of negligence of Alcohol and Drug Evaluation.

HEALTH COMPLICATIONS 

Drug abuse can cause abnormal heart rates and heart attacks, and injecting drugs may result in collapsed veins and infections in your heart valves.

Some drugs also can stop your bones from growing correctly, while others end in severe muscle cramping and general weakness. Using drugs over an extended period of your time also will eventually damage your kidneys and your liver.

INFECTIONS

When you are under the influence of medicine or alcohol, you will forget to interact in sexual activity practices. Sharing the needles wont to inject certain drugs can offer you diseases like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV. You will also spread common colds, the flu, and mono from sharing pipes and bongs.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Near me have adverse effects on your health and can have legal consequences that you will need to affect for the remainder of your life. In addition, refusing to offer up drugs could find yourself making you unemployed, which comes with even more issues.

FINANCIAL PROBLEMS

Drugs and alcohol are expensive, especially when you are employing a lot and constantly. Drug abuse also impacts your productivity and success at work and in class. The time spent checking out, using and recuperating from drugs are often better spent learning new skills to advance your career.

The legal issues tied to drug use will increase your bills also. For example, your car and insurance rates may increase, and you will need to find how to buy arrest warrants, DUIs, and legal counsel.

INJURIES AND DEATH

If you employ drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to experience physical injury or be involved in car accidents. Even worse, you furthermore may have an increased risk of death through both suicide and homicide.

An SAP for DOT evaluates and makes recommendations on employees who have violated a department of transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol program regulation.

An SAP evaluation or drug abuse evaluation may be a face-to-face clinical assessment of a private to work out what they have to resolve their alcohol or drug use problems. Face to face is mandatory because this might offer important physical cues vital to the evaluation process.

During the face to face evaluation, the SAP will determine whether the worker features a problem or addiction and assess the extent. This is often done by gathering a myriad of data.

The SAP evaluation will include standardized testing, collection of data regarding the history and current drug/alcohol use, psychological state history, case history, social and physical health and random drug/alcohol testing.

Attention will be placed upon the rule violation and why the worker must possess the SAP evaluation. Other information obtained during the evaluation is the problems with health, work, family, personal and interpersonal problems caused by use and current mental status.

Once the evaluation is complete, a diagnosis, course of treatment, and treatment plan are provided by the SAP. Therefore, the DOT employee must comply with returning to figure.

A number of the recommendations, supported the evaluation might be for in-patient treatment, partial in-patient treatment, out-patient treatment, education schemes, and aftercare. If education is suggested, this might include education courses on drugs and alcohol, self-help groups, and community lectures.

The SAP may assist the worker in finding treatment providers for services since this is often not done by the SAP. However, this SAP position is that of a liaison and guide and thus cannot refer the worker to their practice. This is often to stop a conflict of interest.

Any third party can’t change the report provided to the employer, and employees and employers are prohibited from seeking a second SAP evaluation to get another recommendation.

Once the worker has successfully complied with all recommendations, there’ll be a face to face follow-up evaluation. This evaluation will determine if all recommendations are completed and if aftercare is required and how many follow-up tests are needed.

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.

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.

Increasing cases of family violence have been a concern for the government from a long time. Major reason behind violence with family members is the inability to deal with emotions under a particular circumstance. Many people can’t control their anger and want to dominate over the other partner. American Alternative Court Services has been contributing to the society with online family violence class by educating people on ways to deal with family violence.

Procedure followed in the class

The complete family violence intervention program is designed for the duration of 24 weeks. Interactive online family violence class enables the people to recognize their anger triggering points. People can openly discuss about the problems they face.

The thought process of a person is analysed and then a few changes are suggested by the friendly counselors that may help in coping up with anger. Motive of these classes is to make people recover and take complete control over their emotions. After the successful completion of online family violence class, a person has a fair idea of how to control anger and replace it with a much healthier response.

Online Family Violence Class at AACS

If you are concerned about your own violent behaviour or any other family member, then fill the sign up form for the classes. There is also no need to go anywhere because online mode of classes is available for people. Court-approved classes are conducted separately for different genders to facilitate openness and comfort level for discussion.

Physical, mental and emotional abuse can snatch away the happiness of any family. Even the childhood of the kids gets badly affected due to awful environment at home. So, don’t let yourself and the family members suffer. Take an initiative to bring small changes by learning from online family violence class at AACS and live a happy life.

It is a serious crime to drive under the influence of alcohol or drug. This not only impacts the roadways but also affects the health of a person. Considering it as a violation of law, the individual must undergo assessment and then only he or she would be able to resume the duty. Online out of state evaluation by AACS is a program that allows the people to get the evaluation process done in a quick and convenient way.

Different states may abide by different rules and regulations. For example, if there is a driver from Georgia who has received a DUI from any other state, then he has to successfully complete DUI School, substance treatment program and clinical evaluation. The counselors are well-aware of the laws set by different states and strive to provide right evaluation report that would be accepted easily by the court and employer.

Whole procedure of assessment is quite simple. The person should book an appointment for the online out of state evaluation and submit all the documents that are given by other state. Evaluator takes a question and answers session with the accused and then gives various suggestions and programs that a person must undertake in order to go back to work.

The interview process usually takes an hour to complete, but it may extend longer if you have DUI arrest. Don’t be scared before the evaluation, as the counselors and staff at AACS is friendly and helpful. Best possible help is provided to finish the process within a limited time frame. But, it also depends on the person how he behaves in the evaluation process. If he is ready to accept the mistake and wants to improve, then the process becomes easy.

Now that you are well-versed with the pros of online out of state evaluation by AACS, just sign up the form for further process.

DOT (Department of Transportation) requires the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) to conduct evaluations for employees in safety-sensitive positions as regulated by (DOT). DOT has made it legitimate for all the companies to conduct the pre-employment, post-accident, random or reasonable suspicion, and return-to-duty drug and alcohol tests for the employees holding commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Our counsellors are well qualified who follow the step by step procedure needed to help you through the process of RTD (Return to Duty) as specified by DOT as against the violation of its drug and alcohol rules’.

Who needs SAP Evaluation?

1. An employee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol.
2. An employee who holds CDL.
3. An employee has to obtain a substance abuse evaluation as the condition of the employment or for continued employment.

DOT-SAP Evaluation involves two steps:

1.     The first stage SAP Evaluation involves

• Face-to-face clinical interview and assessment.

To determine if the substance abuse problem exists or no and if it does then, what level of treatment shall be needed.

• The further recommendation in the form of treatment for drug/ alcohol addiction or education(as determined by our SAP)

• Continuous monitoring of the employee under the treatment process.

       2.The follow-up SAP Evaluation includes

• Follow-up session that helps SAP Evaluation to determine successful completion of treatment and thus, provide Notice a “Notice of Compliance,” or a “Notice of Noncompliance,” depending upon the employee’s performance throughout the programme.

• Recommendations for further education or treatment (if needed)
• Aftercare suggestions (as deemed necessary)
• Written report to DER (Designated Employer Representative)

If the employer is satisfied with the report, he can order the conduct of Return to Duty test which should have a negative result to get you back on board, however, if it turns out to be positive you have to undergo the assessment and follow the program repeatedly, till you are deemed fit.

The clearinghouse has been introduced as the secured online database to maintain records about the CDL(Commercial Driving Licence) drivers’ who are covered by FMCSA’s drug and alcohol program. This also includes drivers with commercial learner’s permits (CLPs).

DOT has made the clearinghouse SAP evaluation mandatory for the employees who test positive for drug or alcohol abuse. SAP is the user in the Clearinghouse who is also required to register himself on the clearinghouse. As soon as the driver is found positive he must register on the FMCSA Clearinghouse and contact SAP professional. The list of the qualified DOT SAPs may be provided by your employer so that you can fix your appointment as soon as to complete the return-to-duty process.

EVALUATION PROCESS

• The driver registers himself on the clearinghouse where the employer then, enters the violation record on the driver’s name.
• The driver receives a notification in the form of e-mail or text that information has been entered on his record.
• The driver can now access the list of qualified SAPs and choose one which he wishes to.
• Similarly, SAP receives the push-up notification from the clearinghouse mentioning the driver’s name in the form of his connection request.
• The SAP clicks on “Accept Request” or “Deny Request” following which he can see the driver’s records if he accepts the request.
• On the initial assessment, SAP intimates the driver about his treatment recommendation and also enters the date of the final assessment meeting.
• SAP Evaluation, after determining that the driver has successfully complied with the treatment, enters the date of the demonstration which serves as the means for the employer who then, orders the conduct of Return to Duty test.

The result of the RTD test must be negative to get back on your duty else, you have to undergo the treatment procedure again (education or treatment) as suggested by SAP Evaluation.

SAP, Substance Abuse Professional is a certified person who is accountable for conducting the drug and alcohol assessment. Addition is a major problem in United States and this problem witnessed an increase during the pandemic. Stress and anxiety became the reason of this increase. Person driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug poses direct threat to safety of people. Taking assistance from substance abuse professional can solve this issue in an effective way.

Complete process of SAP evaluation starts with a personal interview. After looking at the medical history and drug test report, the counselor asks several questions about the personal life, social life and lifestyle of the addicted person. They try to analyze the reasons behind the problem and also enquire from friends and family members about the person.

There is nothing to worry about the evaluation as SAP; substance abuse professionals are there to help you in best possible way. A proper treatment plan is prepared by the experienced SAP to ensure that the problem of addiction is gone permanently. There are cases where the person again starts taking drug and alcohol after taking the treatment. SAP keeps in touch with the person to monitor the condition even after the treatment is done.

If your employer or court has ordered you to take the evaluation, then it is imperative to take the sessions regularly. Permission to return back to work will not be granted to the employee who has not followed the treatment plan.

To get a valid review report, you must get the evaluation done from an authentic place. American Alternative Court Services has 25 years of experience in providing outpatient addiction counseling and addiction counseling to people in Atlanta. A team of doctors, SAP substance abuse professional and psychotherapists works together in order to eradicate the difficulty of substance abuse from the society. Fill the signup form to get the evaluation done in a convenient manner.