COURSE SELECTION GUIDE
The courses detailed in the matrix below offer a well-rounded approach to understanding and addressing substance misuse in safety-sensitive positions. Built on a foundation of proven methods and relatable content, these courses provide a comprehensive exploration of critical topics, ensuring participants gain practical insights and actionable knowledge tailored to real-world challenges.
Use the course selection table below to identify the most appropriate course for your referrals.
Substance Misuse and Abuse Courses
*Every course includes the following sections:
Employee Handbook *
A detailed examination of substances frequently encountered in cases of misuse, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants. Participants learn about the effects of these substances, their prevalence, and their unique challenges.
Commonly Misused Substances
A detailed examination of substances frequently encountered in cases of misuse, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and stimulants. Participants learn about the effects of these substances, their prevalence, and their unique challenges.
Addiction
This module explores the science of addiction, its impact on individuals, and its societal implications. Participants gain insights into risk factors, protective strategies, and the behavioral and neurological underpinnings of addiction.
Treatment and Recovery
An overview of treatment options for substance use disorders, including evidence-based therapies and recovery strategies. This section emphasizes hope and resilience, showcasing tools for long-term recovery.
Consequences
Participants learn about the personal, professional, and legal consequences of substance misuse, particularly in safety-sensitive roles. This includes the risks to health, careers, and public safety.
Real-Life News Stories
Real-life news stories involving everyday people and public figures illustrate the profound impact of substance misuse. These stories include accounts of catastrophic incidents involving substance misuse in safety-sensitive positions, as well as inspiring narratives of individuals overcoming addiction and achieving recovery.
| Duration | Alcohol | Cannabis | Opioids | Stimulants | Outline | Worksheet | Discussion Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | * | * | * | * |
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| 6 | 1h | * | * | * |
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| 8 | 1h, 15 min | 2h | * | * |
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| 10 | 2h | 2h | * | * |
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| 12 | 2h | 4h 30 min | 30 min | * |
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| 16 | 2h, 30 min | 4h, 30 min | 40 min | 2h |
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| 20 | 3h, 15 min | 4h, 30 min | 1h, 30 min | 5h |
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| 24 | 5h | 5h, 30 min | 1h, 30 min | 5h |
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The matrix outlines the time allocated to each substance, based on the duration of the course. This time is in addition to the “Commonly Misused Substances” section.
Focused Single-Substance Courses:
These courses offer an in-depth examination of each substance as well as the Employee Handbook. They cover the fundamentals of addiction, recovery, and the consequences of misuse and are tailored to enhance understanding of each substance’s unique challenges and impacts.
| Courses | Hours | Outline | Worksheet | Discussion Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 4 |
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| Alcohol | 6 |
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| Alcohol | 8 |
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| Cannabis | 4 |
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| Cannabis | 6 |
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| Cannabis | 8 |
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| Stimulants | 6 |
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Employee Training
Reasonable Suspicion Supervisor Training – DOT 60/60
This course meets DOT training requirements for supervisors in safety-sensitive roles under FMCSA, FAA, FTA, PHMSA, and USCG. It includes 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substances, per 49 CFR guidelines.
Beyond compliance, this interactive course offers real-world scenarios, downloadable checklists, sample reports, and quick-reference tools to help supervisors recognize and respond to reasonable suspicion with confidence.
Bonus: Graduates receive monthly refresher emails with tips for documenting behavior, spotting early signs, and knowing when to act. Supervisors can opt out anytime — though we recommend employers make these brief training updates a required part of ongoing learning.
Substance Misuse Awareness Training – for DOT and the General Workforce
This awareness course helps employees understand the risks and responsibilities related to substance use in the workplace. It includes key content from the DOT publication “What Every Safety-Sensitive Employee Needs to Know” and reinforces the importance of maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
Designed for both DOT-regulated and general workforce employees, the course provides an hour of essential training. Topics include the effects of drug and alcohol misuse, testing procedures, employee rights, and the impact of impaired performance on public and workplace safety.
* The Non-DOT (Awareness Courses) DO NOT include the Safety Sensitive Employee Handbook.
