Failing or refusing a DOT drug or alcohol test doesn’t end your career—but it does require following a strict and federally regulated process to return to duty. The DOT SAP Program and Return to Duty Process ensure that employees in safety-sensitive roles are fit to safely resume their responsibilities.

🛣️ What Is the DOT SAP Program?
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Program is a mandated procedure under 49 CFR Part 40. It applies to all DOT-regulated employees—including truck drivers, pilots, railroad workers, and pipeline operators—who test positive or violate drug and alcohol testing rules.

✅ Step-by-Step: The Return to Duty Process
Initial SAP Evaluation
Meet with a DOT-qualified SAP for a clinical assessment. This can be done in person or online.

Treatment or Education
Based on the evaluation, the SAP will prescribe a program tailored to your situation, such as outpatient counseling or substance use education.

Follow-Up SAP Evaluation
Once treatment is complete, the SAP reevaluates you and determines whether you’re eligible to return to work.

Return-to-Duty Test
You must take a DOT-observed drug/alcohol test and test negative to resume safety-sensitive duties.

Follow-Up Testing Plan
The SAP provides your employer with a schedule of unannounced follow-up tests—at least 6 tests in the first 12 months, and possibly up to 5 years.

“The SAP Program isn’t just a requirement—it’s an opportunity for recovery, rehabilitation, and reinstatement,” says a DOT-certified counselor at AACS Counseling.

We help guide individuals through the process with clarity, speed, and compassion, ensuring that every step meets federal standards.

📞 Call Now or Visit Us:

Office: 800-683-7745
🌐 DOT Qualified SAP Program: https://www.aacscounseling.com/dot-qualified-sap-program/
🌐 SAP Evaluations Nationwide: https://sap-evaluation.com/

Confidential, same-day SAP evaluations are available nationwide—online or in person.

About AACS Counseling:
AACS Counseling is a trusted provider of DOT-qualified SAP evaluations and Return-to-Duty programs. Our certified professionals serve clients across the U.S., helping them navigate the SAP process quickly and confidently—whether online or in person.