SAP’s are responsible for evaluating employees who have violated a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol regulation and make appropriate recommendations for education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. The Department of Transportation (DOT) federal regulation (49 CFR Part 40) requires the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) to recommend DOT employees (including CDL drivers, aviation workers, pipeline workers, etc.) who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol federal regulation to a drug/alcohol education program, treatment program, and/or both; before returning to work (safety sensitive duties). Here at Creating Change, PLLC we are invested in the safety of the public as well as providing non-judgmental support to those dealing with alcohol and substance abuse. Contact Creating Change, PLLC today to get the process started.

           How does the DOT-SAP process work?

1. A confirmed violation occurs (most commonly tests positive for alcohol or illicit drugs), immediately after the operator (CDL truck driver, pipeline worker, flight attendant, or others) must be removed from their safety sensitive duties. In order to return to Safety Sensitive Duties, the operator must complete the SAP process provided by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
2. The operator should schedule an appointment (704-807-4366 or by clicking the link below) to complete a face-to-face substance abuse assessment provided by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) (cost $250.00). Once the DOT-SAP assessment is completed the operator will receive a recommendation for either drug/alcohol treatment or education. DOT has a mandatory minimum recommendation of education; which is known as Alcohol Drug Education Training School (ADETS) 8-16 hours.
3. Complete the drug and alcohol treatment or education program and contact the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) at Creating Change, PLLC for the follow-up appointment. (You must return to the original Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who completed your DOT-SAP Assessment).
4. Attend the follow-up appointment (Return to Duty appointment), after this appointment your employer (or last employer) will be sent a Return to Duty Letter (cost $250.00).
5. If you are a Commercial Driver in the state of North Carolina and your violation was against a CDL, you will need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles and get your license reinstated; after your follow-up appointment.
6. Receive and pass a return to duty drug/alcohol test. This test will be ordered by your employer. The return to duty test are directly observed, per DOT policy. All follow up drug tests will be observed as well. DOT requires the operator to complete a minimum of 6 random drug tests in the 1st year and additional drug testing can be order for up to 5 years (60 months).
7. Return to work (Safety Sensitive Duties)!

To start the process of getting back to work please call or click the link below to schedule your DOT-SAP Assessment. Assessments are offered Monday-Saturday. Both the assessment and follow up payments are required at the first appointment. If you have any trouble finding an appointment time that best meets your need please call (704) 807-4366 or email at [email protected].