Thinking About Skipping Your SAP Process? Here’s What Happens Next

If you’ve tested positive on a DOT drug or alcohol test, you’re required to complete a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation and follow their recommendations before you can return to safety-sensitive work.

But what happens if you start the process and then… stop?

Maybe you’re frustrated. Maybe you’re unsure about the next steps. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll deal with this later.”

Here’s the truth: dropping out of the SAP process has serious consequences.

What Happens When You Don’t Follow Through

If you ghost your SAP—even early in the process—they’re required to notify your employer. That means:

1. A letter of non-compliance goes directly to your employer
2. Your Clearinghouse record stays locked
3. You remain ineligible for safety-sensitive work
4. Future employers will see that you didn’t complete the required steps

Even if you haven’t had your first assessment yet, the SAP can still send that letter. They’ll simply leave the assessment date blank and document that you didn’t follow through.

Federal Motor Carrier Rules Still Apply

Some people think that certain DOT modes—like Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)—might be more flexible. They’re not. The rules still apply. If you’re in a safety-sensitive role, you must complete the SAP process to return to duty.

What SAPs Are Encouraged to Do

SAPs are encouraged to:

1. Reach out to you if you’ve dropped off
2. Give you a chance to re-engage
3. But ultimately, they must report non-compliance if you don’t follow through

This isn’t personal. It’s regulatory. And it’s designed to protect public safety and ensure accountability.

What You Should Do Instead

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure:

1. Talk to your SAP before making any decisions
2. Ask questions about the process and timeline
3. Be honest about your concerns
4. Remember: completing the process is the only way to get back to work

Final Thought

Skipping the SAP process doesn’t make the problem go away. It just makes it harder to move forward. If you’ve started, stay with it. If you’ve dropped out, reach back out. Your SAP is there to help but they can’t do that if you disappear.

Would you like help turning this into a re-engagement email template or a handout for new clients? I’d be glad to help you build that next.

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