After failing a drug or alcohol test, you will be required to fulfill the SAP (Substance Abuse Program). This program is constructed of six different steps but can be altered to meet every individual’s needs and can last anywhere between 12 months and five years.
The first step is a SAP request. Following that, a doctor or specialist evaluates the driver, and he or she undergoes a program of education or treatment. Either may include self-help meetings, in-patient treatments, or educational courses based on the severity of the issue. After this step, the doctor or specialist will perform another interview to determine whether the driver has made progress, and if yes, the driver is eligible for return-to-duty testing. If the return-to-duty test comes back negative, they may proceed to follow-up testing, which consists of at least six unannounced, random, and observed drug tests ordered by an employer and done over one year, but they may also last for up to five years. After the randomized drug tests have been completed, a driver is considered safe to get back on the road.
It is very important to point out that we do not want to promote driving under the influence, but we genuinely believe that everyone deserves another chance.
Therefore, we would like to give some advice to our returning drivers.
Don’t lose your confidence
SAP may leave you feeling like you’ve missed a lot during the time you spent outside the truck. Some CDL schools allow you to retake several driving lessons to get your confidence back, which is a great option if your program lasts longer than expected. Take your time before hitting the road, and prioritize safety by driving slowly and staying focused.
Focus on your well-being
Battling addiction can be very challenging and can lead to professional, financial, and emotional losses. The SAP is designed to help you out of this whirlwind, but you may also want to consider speaking to a therapist or joining a support group that will help you stay on the right track, nurture your emotional well-being, and slowly rebuild what you’ve lost. You can find support groups online, or simply try staying in touch with a family member or loved ones that continuously support you.
Exercise regularly
This is an especially important activity! You don’t have to push yourself too hard, but doing simple exercises like walking fast, swimming, or running for 20 minutes a day will help give you a dopamine boost and keep you energized, and it will aid you in multiple ways. Alternatively, immerse yourself in artistic hobbies, like making music, playing an instrument, drawing, knitting, making pottery, etc.
Don’t refuse drug tests!
A refusal of a drug test or non-compliance in any other way will lead your doctor or a specialist to restart your SAP. After making HUGE progress, like completing the whole course, the last thing you want is to do it all over again. Random drug tests are made to prevent drivers from relapsing and keep our roads safe.
Bring your documentation with you
When applying for an owner-operator position at Super Ego with SAP on your record, the documentation you need to bring with you for the orientation includes your CDL, DOT medical card, advisor’s certificate that you have completed the SAP course or SAP certificate, a screenshot of your progress from Clearinghouse, and last but not least, the contact information of the doctor handling your SAP.
At Super Ego, we accept drivers who have completed the fourth step and above. If this is you, we would love to encourage you to apply to work with us! Apply via this link or give us a call at (630) 506-8869
We’re rooting for you and wish you the best of luck on your journey of returning to the road!