Failed a DOT drug or alcohol test in Connecticut? I'm Paul Collette — a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. I offer same-day evaluations for CDL drivers and all DOT-regulated employees throughout CT.

Licensed in Connecticut
LADC • DOT SAP Qualified
Under federal law (49 CFR Part 40), any employee in a DOT-regulated safety-sensitive position who fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test must be evaluated by a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Professional before they can return to work. This applies to CDL truck drivers, FMCSA-regulated carriers, FAA-regulated aviation workers, FRA railroad employees, FTA transit workers, PHMSA pipeline workers, and USCG maritime employees — all of whom operate in Connecticut.
The SAP evaluation is not a punishment. It's a clinical assessment designed to determine what education or treatment, if any, is appropriate — and to establish a path back to safety-sensitive work. The SAP is the only person who can authorize a return-to-duty test and clear an employee to return to their job.
I'm Paul Collette, MS, LADC. I've been conducting DOT SAP evaluations since 2019 and I'm based in Newington, Connecticut. I offer both in-person and virtual evaluations that fully comply with 49 CFR Part 40. Same-day and next-day scheduling is available.
All six DOT-regulated industries operating in Connecticut
CDL drivers, freight carriers, owner-operators, school bus operators. Connecticut has thousands of FMCSA-regulated carriers.
Pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, and other safety-sensitive aviation workers at CT airports including BDL and HVN.
Railroad workers operating on Connecticut's freight and passenger rail lines, including Metro-North and Amtrak employees.
CTtransit operators, paratransit drivers, and other mass transit employees throughout the state.
Natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline workers operating in Connecticut under PHMSA jurisdiction.
Commercial maritime workers on Connecticut's waterways, including Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
We meet for a clinical assessment — in person at my Newington, CT office or virtually over a secure video call. I review your history, the circumstances of the test, and any substance use concerns. This typically takes 1–2 hours.
Based on my evaluation, I recommend either an education program or a formal treatment program. This is a clinical decision — I recommend what's appropriate for your situation, not the most expensive option.
You complete the education or treatment program I've recommended. Connecticut has strong substance use treatment resources, and I can refer you to DOT-compliant providers throughout the state.
Once you've completed the program, we meet again. I review your records, assess your current status, and determine whether you're ready to return to safety-sensitive duties.
You pass a directly observed drug and/or alcohol test. Your employer or C/TPA arranges this. Once you pass, you can return to your safety-sensitive position.
After returning to work, you'll be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for up to five years. I determine the number and frequency of tests as your SAP.
I'm based in Newington, CT and offer virtual evaluations statewide. In-person evaluations are available at my office. I serve clients throughout all Connecticut counties and cities.
And all other Connecticut cities and towns. Virtual evaluations available statewide — no travel required.
I answer calls and emails the same day — weekdays and weekends. When you need a SAP, you need one now.
Every evaluation follows 49 CFR Part 40 exactly. My reports are accepted by all DOT-regulated employers and MROs.
I'm based in Newington, CT. I know Connecticut's transportation industry, its employers, and its treatment landscape.
I work directly with Safety Directors, HR managers, and C/TPAs throughout Connecticut. I make the referral process simple.
My reports are thorough, well-organized, and written to hold up to scrutiny. Employers and MROs get what they need.
If your employee works across state lines, I'm licensed in all three states. One SAP, no complications.
Same-day response. Virtual evaluations available statewide.