Case Studies

Background

Wyatt was a newly licensed CDL driver from Northern California preparing to start his first trucking job.

During the pre-employment process, he tested positive for marijuana, which immediately paused his hiring and left him confused and concerned.

He explained that he had not intentionally used marijuana and believed the result came from CBD gummies he had been taking, not realizing they could contain detectable THC.

What Happened

Wyatt’s situation reflects a common issue among new DOT-regulated workers:

Many people assume CBD products are safe because they are legal and widely available

CBD products can still contain THC, even if labeled otherwise

Any detectable THC can result in a positive DOT drug test

Wyatt was unaware of this risk and was genuinely distressed by the outcome. He took responsibility, remained cooperative, and was motivated to resolve the issue quickly.

SAP Evaluation & Recommendation

Wyatt was referred to American River Wellness and scheduled for a next-day SAP evaluation due to the urgency of his employment.

During the evaluation, he:

• Clearly explained the situation and product use
• Showed no signs of ongoing substance misuse or dependency
• Demonstrated accountability and willingness to learn

Based on the assessment, he was recommended to complete an online drug and alcohol education course.

The focus of this recommendation was to ensure he fully understood:

• The risks of CBD and THC exposure
• DOT zero-tolerance drug testing standards
• The importance of avoiding unverified products
• How violations can impact long-term employment

Completion & Follow-Up

Wyatt completed his education quickly and returned for his follow-up evaluation.

At that time, he:

• Showed a clear understanding of DOT rules
• Acknowledged that intent does not override test results
• Demonstrated accountability and improved awareness

He was then approved to move forward with return-to-duty testing.

Outcome

From his initial evaluation, Wyatt became eligible for return-to-duty testing within 6 days.

After confirming he was THC-free, his employer chose to move forward with rehiring.

• Total time to return to work: under 2 weeks
• Process completed efficiently with no delays
• Successfully resumed his path as a CDL driver

Key Takeaway

Wyatt’s case shows how quickly someone can recover from a DOT violation with the right support and follow-through. It also highlights an important lesson for new drivers:

• CBD products are not safe for DOT-regulated employees
• Lack of awareness can still lead to serious consequences
• Education and compliance are key to getting back to work fast

This example underscores how a clear plan, fast action, and accountability can help you move forward with minimal disruption.

Background

Roxanne was working as a school bus driver in Nevada when she was removed from duty after a reasonable suspicion alcohol test came back positive while she was on the job.

Because she was responsible for transporting children, the situation carried serious safety and professional consequences.

She understood early on that returning to safety-sensitive work would require more than just completing the process -it would require real change.

What Happened

Roxanne moved quickly into the SAP process and completed her evaluation the next day, helping avoid delays and create structure right away.

During her evaluation, she:

• Acknowledged the seriousness of the violation
• Took responsibility without minimizing the situation
• Showed emotional awareness and concern for the impact
• Recognized the level of trust required in her role

SAP Evaluation & Recommendation

Based on the assessment, education alone was not enough.

A higher level of care was recommended: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

This recommendation focused on:

• Addressing underlying factors that led to the violation
• Providing structured support and accountability
• Building healthier coping strategies
• Reinforcing the responsibilities of safety-sensitive work

Roxanne accepted the recommendation and committed to the process.

Treatment & Progress

Over the next 60 days, Roxanne remained fully engaged in her program.

Her progress included:

• Consistent attendance and active participation
• Willingness to reflect on her decisions and behaviors
• Development of healthier coping strategies
• Strong engagement in the recovery process

She also chose to go beyond requirements by attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings voluntarily.

This showed she was focused on long-term change, not just completing the minimum steps.

Follow-Up & Completion

By the time she returned for her follow-up evaluation, Roxanne showed clear progress.

She demonstrated:

• Improved insight and accountability
• A deeper understanding of the consequences of her actions
• Recognition that returning to work requires lasting behavioral change

After 72 days in the SAP process, she was verified as compliant with all recommendations and cleared for return-to-duty testing.

Outcome

Although she did not return to her previous employer, Roxanne was able to move forward professionally. She:

• Became eligible for return-to-duty testing after 72 days
• Secured a new driving position within 2 weeks
• Successfully continued her career in a safety-sensitive role

Key Takeaway

Roxanne’s case shows that a serious violation does not have to end your career, but it does require accountability and real effort:

• Treatment may be necessary depending on the situation
• Full engagement leads to better outcomes
• Going beyond minimum requirements can make a difference
• The SAP process supports both safety and second chances

Her story is a strong example of how commitment, structure, and follow-through can help you move forward and return to work responsibly.

Background

Dontrell reached out after being blocked from returning to refinery work due to an unresolved non-DOT DISA hair test for cannabis from 2021.

He had been out of the industry for several years and needed to clear his status to move forward with a new job opportunity.

He came in motivated, ready to address the issue, and focused on getting back to work as quickly as possible.

What Happened

Because of the urgency, Dontrell was scheduled for a same-day assessment. Starting the process right away was key, especially after being out of the workforce for an extended period.

During the evaluation, he:

• Reported past occasional marijuana use but no use in over three years
• Presented as calm, cooperative, and straightforward
• Showed no signs of minimizing or avoiding responsibility

SAP Evaluation & Recommendation

The focus of the assessment was to determine whether treatment was necessary or if a lower level of intervention was appropriate.

Based on his history and current presentation:

• There was no evidence of ongoing substance use
• No indication of a substance use disorder
• No need for structured clinical treatment

He was recommended to complete an online education course, which focused on:

• Workplace substance policies in safety-sensitive and industrial settings
• The impact of cannabis use on employment
• Personal accountability and compliance requirements

Completion & Follow-Up

Dontrell completed his course quickly and returned for follow-up within 8 days of his initial evaluation.

At follow-up, he:

• Demonstrated full compliance with the recommendation
• Remained consistent in his presentation
• Showed no new concerns

He was then cleared and deemed eligible to return to duty.

Outcome

The timing worked in his favor. Once eligible, Dontrell was able to move forward immediately.

• Started his new refinery job within 4 days
• Successfully cleared a barrier that had been unresolved for years
• Re-entered the workforce with a clean status

Key Takeaway

Dontrell’s case shows that not every situation requires treatment, but every case does require a proper evaluation.

• Old violations can still be resolved with the right process
• Education may be appropriate when no ongoing risk is present
• Fast action and follow-through can remove long-standing barriers

His story highlights how a focused, efficient approach can help you move past past issues and get back to work with a fresh start.

Background

Alex was a CDL driver from Arizona in the final stages of pre-employment when a drug test issue resulted in a refusal being reported in the FMCSA Clearinghouse.

What started as a routine test at a busy collection site quickly turned into a serious compliance problem he did not fully understand at the time.

What Happened

After waiting nearly an hour to provide a sample, Alex was told he needed to stay for a second observed collection.

He was caught off guard, as his wife and infant were waiting in the car and they had another commitment. Believing he could return later, he left the site.

This led to a refusal being recorded because:

• He did not complete the full testing process as required
• Leaving the site counted as a refusal under DOT rules
• Miscommunication did not override the violation

SAP Evaluation & Recommendation

Alex was scheduled for a same-day assessment so he could address the issue quickly and move forward with employment.

During the evaluation, he:

• Denied any history of substance misuse
• Showed no signs of avoidance or deceptive behavior
• Remained consistent, cooperative, and frustrated by the situation

The assessment supported that this was a procedural misunderstanding, not a substance-related issue.

He was recommended to complete an education course, focused on:

• DOT refusal rules and testing requirements
• Observed collections and when they are required
• Driver responsibilities during the testing process
• The importance of completing the test exactly as instructed

Completion & Follow-Up

Alex completed the education quickly and returned for follow-up without delay.

At that time, he:

• Demonstrated clear understanding of what went wrong
• Acknowledged he should have stayed to complete the test
• Showed accountability and readiness to move forward

He was then approved for return-to-duty testing within 4 days.

Outcome

Once eligible, Alex’s employer proceeded with testing and brought him back to work shortly after.

Alex:

• Returned to driving within 8 days of follow-up
• Resolved the issue quickly with no further complications
• Successfully moved past a serious administrative setback

Key Takeaway

Alex’s case shows how a misunderstanding of the testing process can still lead to a violation, even without substance use:

• Refusals can happen from not completing the process fully
• Intent does not change how DOT rules are applied
• Education and quick action can help resolve the issue fast

His story highlights how important it is to understand testing procedures and how the right guidance can help you recover and get back to work quickly.

Background

Victor was a merchant mariner whose Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) was suspended after a positive cocaine test in 2023.

He entered the process with honesty and self-awareness, acknowledging that he had been going through a difficult period involving both drug and alcohol use.

Before starting the formal return-to-duty process, he took initiative and admitted himself into a treatment program.

What Happened

Victor and his case manager reached out while he was already in treatment, looking to align his recovery with USCG and DOT requirements.

A telehealth SAP evaluation was scheduled so he could begin the regulatory process without interrupting care.

During the evaluation, he:

• Took full accountability for the violation
• Recognized it as part of a larger pattern, not an isolated issue
• Showed strong insight into the impact on his career and personal life

SAP Evaluation & Recommendation

Since Victor was already in treatment, the recommendation focused on continuing and strengthening that progress.

He was advised to:

• Complete the remaining 35 days of his treatment program
• Participate in recovery support groups
• Complete DOT-specific drug and alcohol education

This approach ensured both clinical recovery and compliance with safety-sensitive work standards.

Treatment & Progress

Victor followed through fully and remained engaged throughout the process.

His progress included:

• Completing his full treatment program
• Actively participating in support groups
• Strengthening relapse prevention and coping strategies
• Building a clear understanding of professional responsibilities

Over time, he showed improved stability, deeper insight, and a strong commitment to long-term recovery.

Follow-Up & Completion

Five weeks after completing treatment, Victor returned for follow-up.

At that point, he:

• Demonstrated meaningful behavioral and mindset changes
• Showed consistent compliance with all recommendations
• Presented as stable, accountable, and recovery-focused

He was then cleared and deemed eligible for return to duty.

Outcome

Victor’s progress allowed him to move forward with reinstatement and return to maritime work.

He was:

• Eligible for return to duty after sustained progress
• Met MMC reinstatement requirements in under 12 months
• Successfully transitioned from crisis to stable recovery

Key Takeaway

Victor’s case shows what’s possible when someone fully commits to the process:

• Serious violations may require treatment, not just education
• Real recovery goes beyond checking boxes
• Accountability and engagement drive better outcomes

His story is a strong example of how honesty, treatment, and follow-through can lead to both personal recovery and a successful return to safety-sensitive work.