What will happen to me if I violate a DOT drug & alcohol rule?
by Elizabeth Rahamim, LCSW, SAP
Below you will find information taken from the United States Department of Transportation website (www.dot.gov) regarding Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (www.dot.gov/odapc) for DOT employees (www.dot.gov/odapc/employee). I am a SAP and am available to assist DOT employees in need of evaluation, counseling, prescription & treatment. I am located in Chandler, Arizona and can assist all DOT employees in need of a DOT SAP in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Tucson and surrounding areas.
What will happen to me if I violate a DOT drug & alcohol rule (e.g. test positive, or refuse a test)?
Your employer is required to immediately remove you from performing safety-sensitive functions. You will not be permitted to return to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions until you have:
- Undergone an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Your employer must provide you with a list of SAPs that you can use;
- Successfully completed any course, counseling or treatment prescribed by the SAP prior to returning to service;
- Undergone a follow up evaluation by the same SAP to determine your compliance with their recommendations; AND
- Provided a breath and/or urine specimen that tests negative for drugs and/or alcohol prior to returning to DOT regulated safety-sensitive functions.
You will also be subject to unannounced testing for drugs and/or alcohol for at least 6 times during the first 12 months of active service with the possibility of unannounced testing for up to 60 months (as prescribed by the SAP).
For more information, please visit: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/employee
If you or a friend/family member needs the assistance of a licensed counselor or psychiatrist, we offer quality over-the-phone and in person sessions to help fit any personal needs.