Return to Duty: Employee’s Experiences with Successful DOT SAP Programs

Return to Duty: Employee’s Experiences with Successful DOT SAP Programs

By ASAP

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Reader retains full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees transportation safety in federally regulated industries. To ensure the safety and wellness of employees in these sectors, the DOT implemented DOT rule, 49 CFR Part 40 (Part 40) to guide drug and alcohol testing in these workplaces. This rule outlines critical procedures, including when, how, and who to drug test in safety-sensitive positions.  

What happens if an employee fails a DOT drug test? 

If an employee fails a DOT drug or alcohol test, whether a pre-employment test, a random drug test, or a post-accident test, they are not permitted to return to a DOT safety-sensitive position without undergoing a DOT return-to-duty program.  

After being removed from the safety-sensitive position, your employer is required to provide a list of DOT qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs). The list may be provided by a dedicated service agent such as American Substance Abuse Professionals (ASAP). ASAP has a nationwide reach in all 50 states as well as U.S. territories. Help is available to get back to work.   

Do DOT SAP programs work? 

Employees who find themselves in need of a DOT qualified SAP may feel the sting of receiving a positive DOT drug test which may lead them to be skeptical of the process. It is valuable to recognize that the role of a DOT qualified SAP in the return-to-duty process is to be the “gatekeeper to the re-entry program.” They are a neutral party who does not determine if the employee should be reinstated or rehired but do determine if the employee is prepared to return to work safely. For employees who have worked with American Substance Abuse Professionals (ASAP), the process has brought about changes that have improved the workplace, and beyond. 

How can working with a DOT qualified SAP help me? 

“We all make detrimental decisions in life, and when it’s comes to pay the piper, we don’t know what to expect. In my experience, I was pleasantly surprised by my ASAP Advisor’s patience, understanding and willing attitude to help me get to the next steps in correcting my situation. This world needs more people like her.” FAA Employee  

How do DOT SAP programs impact more than just the employee? 

“Had a FMCSA driver in April who came thru the program, and I sent him to 8 self-help meetings. When I did the follow-up, he commented how much he enjoyed the meetings and felt like he was getting the support he needed.    

His wife and him were having lots of marital issues…she had been diagnosed with cancer and was using a lot of alcohol to self-medicate. Long story short, she ended up going to treatment and getting into recovery as well!! They both go to meetings now and their kiddos are very happy about the positive changes 🙂 He told me he is very grateful to ASAP and all the work we do. -We do make a difference :)” ASAP SAP  

Conclusion: DOT SAP Programs Make a Difference 

From these testimonials we see that the process outlined by a DOT qualified SAP guides more than just the employee. It is critical that you comply with the treatment and/or educational recommendations that are given to you to be able to return to work. For employees who have a positive drug and/or alcohol test, refusal to test, or another violation, ASAP is ready to help start the return to duty process so you can get back to work safely.  

Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey back to work and help you get back on track. 

Copyright © 2010-2025 American Substance Abuse Professionals – No portion of this article may be reproduced, retransmitted, posted on a website, or used in any manner without the written consent of the American Substance Abuse Professionals. When permission is granted to reproduce this article in any way, full attribution to the author and copyright holder is required. 

 

Additional Reading:  

https://go2asap.com/positive-test/find-a-sap/  

https://go2asap.com/positive-test/return-to-duty-process/  

https://go2asap.com/blog/finding-DOT-qualified-SAPs/  

https://go2asap.com/blog/positive-dot-drug-test/