A substance abuse professional (SAP) is a licensed or certified professional with specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of:
Substance abuse and mental health disorders: They can diagnose and treat individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Addiction treatment: They understand various treatment options like in-patient programs, out-patient therapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
DOT regulations: In the United States, they are specifically qualified to work with individuals who hold safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This includes individuals such as truck drivers, airline pilots, and train conductors.