Graham Sargent
DOT-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional · Founder, American River Wellness Recovery
Since 2018, he has personally completed more than 4,000 DOT SAP evaluations for CDL drivers, mariners, pilots, rail workers, pipeline personnel, and other safety-sensitive employees across all 50 states.
CEAP, CADC-III, ICADC, IS
4,000+ personal DOT SAP evaluations
14 years of experience
Credentials
Graham has more than 14 years of experience working with safety-sensitive employees, individuals in the criminal justice and child welfare systems, and people affected by substance use.
Unlike larger providers that route clients through call centers or automated intake systems, Graham works with every client directly — from the initial evaluation through the return-to-duty process and the follow-up testing plan.
That one-on-one model is deliberate: DOT return-to-duty is a career-defining moment, and Graham believes it deserves an actual clinician’s personal attention.
Graham holds the certifications required to serve as a DOT-qualified SAP under 49 CFR Part 40 and maintains them in good standing:
DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
Evaluations conducted under 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O for FMCSA (trucking), USCG (maritime), FAA (aviation), FRA (rail), FTA (transit), and PHMSA (pipeline) covered employees
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)
Employee Assistance Certification Commission (EACC) / EAPA
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III (CADC-III)
CCAPP California
Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC)
IC&RC
Intervention Specialist (IS)
Need a DOT SAP evaluation?
Graham handles every case personally — no call center, no intake queue. Most clients are scheduled within 24-48 hours.
How Graham Works With Clients
Every DOT SAP case follows the same 5-step regulatory framework — initial face-to-face evaluation, referral to an appropriate education or treatment program, follow-up face-to-face evaluation, return-to-duty test coordination with the employer’s DER, and a follow-up testing plan lasting at least 12 months (and up to 60).
Graham personally handles each of those steps for every client. Nothing is delegated to the intake staff, and there is no rotating provider.
Cases are handled by secure telehealth, which allows drivers, mariners, and other covered workers to complete evaluations from anywhere in the U.S. without traveling.
Most evaluations are scheduled within 24-48 hours of first contact.
Experience
4,000+
DOT SAP evaluations completed since 2018
14+ years
Working with safety-sensitive employees, criminal justice, and child welfare populations
All 50 states
Served via secure telehealth
Multi-modal expertise
FMCSA (trucking/CDL), USCG (maritime), FAA (aviation), FRA (rail), FTA (transit), PHMSA (pipeline)
Graham’s research and commentary on driver safety, DOT compliance, and safety-sensitive workforce trends have been covered by:
Research & publications
- Passive-Aggressive Roads: America’s Most Frustrating Driving Routes (2026)
- Pitstop Places: America’s Best Spring Break Party Pit Stops (2026)
- Rustic Refuels: America’s Best Locally-Owned Gas Stations (2025)
- Buffer Blunders: Truckers Rank America’s Worst Drivers (2025)
- Highway Hygiene: America’s Best Public Restrooms (2025)
Need a DOT SAP evaluation?
Graham handles every case personally — no call center, no intake queue. Most clients are scheduled within 24-48 hours.
Articles: Graham Sargent
What to Do If You Fail a Pipeline Drug Test: A Guide for Employees [2026]
If you fail or refuse a PHMSA drug test, it can threaten your career as a safety-sensitive worker. You’ll have to complete an SAP evaluation and the return-to-duty (RTD) process before you can get back to your job. In this guide, you’ll learn about the PHMSA drug test and what to do if you fail. What is PHMSA Drug Testing? The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is an
The 5 Cheapest DOT SAP Programs in 2026
When you violate the DOT’s drug and alcohol rules, you’ll have to complete the DOT SAP program before you can return to work. If you’re concerned about the costs of the program, the great news is that there are several affordable options available you can choose from. In this article, you’ll learn about five DOT SAP programs that are well-regarded and offer affordable payment options. Which DOT SAP Providers are
USCG Drug Testing Requirements: What Mariners Need to Know (2026)
As a mariner, failing or refusing a drug test can put a sudden stop to your career. At American River Wellness, we have helped hundreds of mariners through the USCG return-to-duty process, and we understand what it takes to get you back to work. Here is what you need to know about your USCG drug testing requirements. What is a Coast Guard Drug Test? A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) drug