SAP EVALUATION FOR DOT AND CLEARINGHOUSE Atlanta or Marietta

SAP EVALUATION FOR DOT AND CLEARINGHOUSE

The “SAP” in SAP Evaluation stands for “Substance Abuse Professional.” If you find yourself in need of one of these evaluations, it is more than likely you have been hoping to be cleared to return to duty or “RTD” for short. Situations that would warrant such an evaluation typically come in the form of a failed random drug screen during your employment. Failing a drug screen can feel very much like having the rug of your livelihood pulled right out from under you. Not every one that fails these tests is an alcoholic, drug addict, or a “bad” person. Often times a lapse of judgment or a momentary temptation can result in a dramatic uprooting of your ability to provide for yourself.

I will refrain from detailing the circumstances involved in a failed drug screen as it pertains to an actual alcoholic or drug addict and will give an example I have run in to lately where many workers under DOT(Department of Transportation) have failed tests and do not know why. Lately, in the United States, there has been a massive influx of both advertisement and positive marketing pointed to the CBD industry. CBD comes in many forms including oils, tinctures, pills, inhalants, and smokable versions to name a few. Many of these brands of CBD profess to contain 0% THC. For the worker who is suffering from a variety of physical ailments, this might seem like a godsend and a natural homeopathic way to ease some of their sufferings. What the companies do not inform you about is the fact that these 0% THC brands still contain a small percentage of THC which the FDA considers negligible in its ability to cause any psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, when a test of sufficient strength is administered invariably the worker will test positive for THC.

This is when an SAP Evaluation can be extremely useful. The SAP Evaluation will determine the course necessary to deem you fit Return To Duty (RTD). Recommendations will be based on the history involved, the situation which brought you to the SAP Evaluation, and a variety of other areas that will be monitored and reviewed by the Evaluator.

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.