This is the first of a two-part series in which a substance abuse professional explains the function of the SAP in the drug testing process.

When an employee in a safety sensitive job fails a drug test, the worker will be evaluated by a substance abuse professional who will offer treatment, but the SAP will be looking to catch relapsed employees during the first year following treatment, a SAP told DDR.

"I make the recommendation on follow up drug testing, for at least a year following treatment, because when people relapse it's usually within 12 months," SAP Laura Pitre told the Federal Transit Administration's Drug and Alcohol Program's National Conference in Las ...