Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Program right for me?

  • I was only arrested once for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), do I really need the program?

    Being addicted to alcohol and/or other substances is a potential factor in DUI arrests. One arrest for DUI may be a symptom of a deeper issue with alcohol and/or drugs. You should also consider if there are other areas in your life that may indicate an issue with alcohol and/or drugs. Other symptoms can include a pattern of use that negatively impacts your personal relationships, your health, or your professional life.

    The Program is an intensive program designed to help those who have a chemical dependency problem.

  • Even if you are enrolled in a treatment or court-ordered diversion program, you may still benefit from participating in the Assistance Program. The Program is a comprehensive monitoring program - of which treatment, inpatient or outpatient, is only one component. If you choose to participate, you can continue in your current treatment program.
  • Please contact (406) 841-2200 or mapinfo@mt.gov to discuss your concerns and we can begin to evaluate available options.

Worksite Liaisons

  • Program staff must first have a participant's written consent to communicate with their employer. Only after a participant submits a Consent to Release Information will a Case Manager (CM) be able to communicate an employer about their employee's enrollment status, ability to return to work, and (if applicable) any worksite monitoring requirements.
  • Please contact our staff at (406) 841-2200 or mapinfo@mt.gov to enroll.

  • The Montana Assistance Program (MAP) is not treatment. The program is for monitoring and supporting individuals in recovery. Treatment does not replace completion of the program. Our team will want to know about any programs you have entered or completed, so they can determine what other elements to include in a monitoring plan they develop for you.

    For example, if you have completed an in-patient treatment program, the program may mandate completion of an aftercare program in addition to 12 step meetings, peer support group meetings, etc. If you are currently in a treatment program, please continue to participate in that program.

Miscellaneous

Returning to Practice

  • As part of a successful return-to-work plan, the Program may determine, with medical direction, that you are fit for duty, but that certain job accommodations, such as practice restrictions, are necessary to ensure the safety of the public. For example, a nurse who has diverted scheduled drugs may not have access to controlled substances for an initial period. The Program will continuously review and adjust your plan to remove restrictions as you continue to complete milestones. Program staff are committed to ensuring you are successful and can return to safe unsupervised practice.

    PLEASE NOTE: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with a history of a substance use disorder and who are currently in documented recovery have certain protections related to employment.

  • Will I be treated differently because a complaint is filed against my license or I am on probation?
    Program participants are treated according to their individual needs-not because of how they were referred to or entered the program. Regardless of referral type, all participants will be met with caring staff who are dedicated to assuring your success.

  • The actual length of time before you can return to practice will depend on several factors that determine if you are safe to return to work. Factors may include results of a clinical diagnostic evaluation; history of substance use or mental health; whether you diverted substances from the workplace; current medical condition(s); progress under your monitoring agreement; whether you are a risk to the public; and continued abstinence from drugs as demonstrated through drug testing.

    In some cases, you may be granted a return to practice with restrictions on your practice, such as limits on the shift hours, limited access to narcotics, or restrictions on home visits.

  • You are responsible for notifying your employer that you are participating in the Assistance Program. Due to the confidentiality of the Assistance Program, we must first have your written consent to communicate with your employer. You may submit to the Program a Consent to Release Information that will allow the Case Manager (CM) to communicate with your employer about your enrollment status. The CM can also communicate any concerns your employer may have about your participation in the Program, including temporary removal from practice.

    When you are approved to return to work, the Program will communicate with your employer at the time of your return to practice. This is to establish a worksite liaison and to ensure your ongoing safety to practice.

    PLEASE NOTE: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with a history of a substance use disorder and who are currently in documented recovery have certain protections related to employment.

  • Program costs vary by participant and depend on an individual's need and their level of treatment. You are responsible for costs associated with drug testing and support groups. Each board or department program pays for the administrative costs of the Program.
  • Program length varies depending upon your success; however, generally the Program length is between two (2) to five (5) years.