What is a Substance Abuse Professional?

Developing a Health and Safety program with CannAmm gives employers the confidence they have a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy. A comprehensive policy not only provides testing services but also ensures there is a proper return to duty procedure.

Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) play a key role in getting employees struggling with substance abuse problems back to work. What is a Substance Abuse Professional? Check out the information below to learn more about this role.

What is a Substance Abuse Professional in Canada?

• A SAP can be a licensed physician, licensed or certified social worker, psychologist, or employee assistance professional who is involved in the return-to-duty process.
• This position is responsible for determining whether an employee has a substance use/abuse issue and needs help before being eligible to return to work.
• CannAmm’s in-house SAPs are certified through the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certifications Federation (CACCF). They have extensive experience and training in assessing and treating substance use disorders.

When are Substance Abuse Professionals involved?

• SAPs are involved in return to duty services in two circumstances. The first is when a substance use issue has been identified through self-disclosure. The second is when a substance use issue has been revealed through a testing program.
• When an employee self-discloses a drug and/or alcohol substance abuse issue, they are reaching out for help on the road to recovery. These individuals are very honorable. They often recognize the danger that they are putting themselves and others in when working under the influence in safety-sensitive positions. SAPs work with these individuals to get them the help that they need.
• When a substance use issue has been revealed through a non-negative result on a drug and/or alcohol test, a SAP will evaluate the individual. During this evaluation, a SAP confirms if the employer has a duty to accommodate. If there is, then these individuals work with SAPs in a return to duty program to get the help they need.

How do Substance Abuse Professionals help?

• Treatment for substance use disorders may be the best option when there is a substance abuse issue and a duty to accommodate. If substance use treatment is appropriate, a SAP will recommend the best course of action to take.
• SAPs connect employees with a substance counsellor or treatment program that can meet their specific needs. Recommendations may include:
  • Education
  • Counselling
  • Residential substance use treatment
  • Referrals to medical doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals for evaluations in other areas.

Why are Substance Abuse Professionals important?

• SAPs create a list of recommended treatment options for employees to follow to get them the help they need. Once an employee has complied with all recommendations, including receiving a negative return to duty test, they are eligible to return to work. This is not only what’s best for the employer, but the employee as well.
• Return to duty programs with SAPs help those who struggle with substance use issues. CannAmm is proud to have the perspective of “remove the substance, keep the individual”. SAPs help make this happen.

Do you also have a priority on “remove the substance, keep the individual”? Then it may be time to review your return to duty policy. Our team at CannAmm is here to help create the comprehensive program your team deserves.