Everything You Need To Know About Substance Abuse Assessment-AACS

Everything You Need To Know About Substance Abuse Assessment – SAP for DOT South Carolina

If employees supervised by the Department of Transportation (DOT) refuse a drug/alcohol test or test positive, they must complete the ReturntoDuty process before returning to safety-related work tasks.

The first step in the process is an assessment by a Substance Abuse Assessment – SAP for DOT

-qualified substance abuse expert (SAP). If you are in this position, how are you going? This is a quick reference guide for the American Drug Abuse Professionals Corporation (ASAP).

What will happen to the SAP assessment?

First, you will meet with a DOT-qualified substance abuse specialist (SAP) for evaluation. SAP is an integral part of the SAP assessment because it has extensive experience diagnosing and treating substance use and training in 49 CFR Part 40 of the Ministry of Transportation and its regulatory agencies. Your job is to ensure that you have the tools to return to work safely after a failed drug test.

During the evaluation, SAP will check your case, fill in one or more evaluation tools and ask specific questions for more information. There is no need to be nervous and answer questions honestly, just like you do during therapy sessions or talking with friends.

How many SAP assessments do you need?

You have completed at least two SAP evaluations. One will happen at the beginning, and one will happen at the end. If you have any questions along the way, you can check-in at any time.

What should you do between the two SAP assessments?

You need to complete your SAP processing and training recommendations between your SAP assessments, and failure to do so will only delay your return to work. Without completing the SAP process, you must not carry out any safety-related work in the area supervised by the DOT.

This also applies if you fail the DOT test before hiring or rejecting the DOT drug test. If you have any questions about treatment, please feel free to contact your ASAP case manager and your SAP, and they provide you with guidance and support throughout the RTD program.

Information Source:

SAMHSA | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

About the Author

Jacques Khorozian,

Ph.D., LPC, NBCC, MAC, SAP, CCS

Jacques Khorozian, Ph.D., LPC, MAC, SAP, CCS, is an experienced behavioral health professional with over 30 years of work in the criminal justice system, specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatment. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Alternative Court Services (AACS) in Atlanta, where he conducts diagnostic and biopsychosocial assessments and develops treatment and diversion programs.

He collaborates with justice system stakeholders to improve access to behavioral health services and alternative sentencing solutions. Dr. Khorozian previously worked as a Behavioral Health Social Worker with the Fulton County Public Defender's Office, where he assessed client needs and coordinated services.

He also held a leadership role as Division Chief with the San Francisco Superior Court, managing operations and contributing to strategic initiatives. He holds a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology, a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

His professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Positive Psychology Association (AMPPA), the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA).

Dr. Khorozian has advanced certifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), Family Violence Intervention Specialist, and DUI Evaluator. He is recognized for his expertise in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and culturally responsive care. His work focuses on improving population health outcomes through evidence-based behavioral health programs.