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If you’ve been directed to see a Substance Abuse Professional (DOT Qualified SAP List near me) for an evaluation, you might feel slightly anxious about what to expect. Don’t worry—we’re here to help.
This blog post will give you everything you need to know about SAP evaluation, including what they are, why you might need one, and what you can expect on the day of your evaluation.
What is an SAP Evaluation?
An SAP Evaluation is a professional assessment of your substance abuse history and risk for future relapse. The SAP will ask you questions about your drug and alcohol use and other important factors like your family history of substance abuse and your mental health history. They will also likely review any past treatment records you may have. Based on this information, the SAP will recommend what kind of treatment (if any) would be best for you.
It’s important to note that an SAP evaluation differs from a drug test. A drug test measures whether or not drugs are present in your system; it cannot assess your level of risk for relapse or determine what kind of treatment would be most helpful for you.
DOT SAP Program Basics
Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) are independent consultants trained to evaluate employees who have violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. In addition, the DOT SAP Program near me is responsible for making recommendations to the employer about the employee’s return to duty status following a drug or alcohol-related incident.
The employer must use a DOT Qualified SAP to make DOT Return to Duty near me decisions for employees in safety-sensitive positions. Employers are not allowed to require employees to use a specific SAP, although an employer may develop a list of qualified SAPs from which employees can choose.
An employer may not return an employee to safety-sensitive duties until the SAP has determined that the employee has successfully completed the return-to-duty process, which includes:
- A face-to-face evaluation with the SAP
- An education or treatment program, if recommended by the SAP
- Follow-up testing
Why I Need an SAP Evaluation?
There are a few different reasons why someone might be required to see a Substance Abuse Professional. The most common reason is that many employers now require employees to undergo regular drug testing. Suppose you are employed by such a company and test positive for drugs. In that case, your employer will likely require you to see an SAP to determine if you pose a safety risk at work and/or if they need to provide you with resources to help you overcome your substance abuse issue.
Another common reason someone might need to see an SAP is if they have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). DUIs now come with mandatory sap evaluations (and sometimes treatment) in many states. This is because DUI offenders are at an increased risk for future offenses, and the state wants to do everything possible to ensure public safety.
What Can I Expect on the Day of My Evaluation?
Most sap evaluations occur in an outpatient setting and last anywhere from one to two hours. You will likely meet with a licensed counselor, social worker, or psychologist who has extensive experience working with people struggling with substance abuse issues.
During your evaluation, the SAP will ask you questions about your personal and professional life and your drug and alcohol use. They may also ask about any family history of substance abuse or mental illness. You must answer these questions honestly; remember, the point of the evaluation is to get an accurate picture of your risk factors so that the SAP can make appropriate recommendations about treatment (if necessary).
Conclusion
If you’ve been directed to see a Substance Abuse Professional for an evaluation, there’s no need to worry—we’re here to help. This blog post has given you everything you need to know about sap evaluations, including what they are, why you might need one, and what you can expect on the day of your evaluation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re happy to help in any way we can. If you are looking for an SAP evaluation near me, visit our website or call us today.
