The Global Drug of Abuse Testing Market Size accounted for USD 6.7 Billion in 2022 and is projected to achieve a market size of USD 12.2 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2032.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market Report Key Highlights

• Global drug of abuse testing market revenue is expected to increase by USD 12.2 Billion by 2032, with a 6.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2032
• North America region led with more than 38% of drug of abuse testing market share in 2022
• Asia-Pacific drug of abuse testing market growth will record a CAGR of over 7% from 2023 to 2032
• According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 12.8 million people aged 12 and up used illicit drugs in the previous month in the United States in 2020
• According to a 2020 Society for Human Resource Management survey, 84% of employers in the United States conduct pre-employment drug testing for some or all job candidates
• According to Quest Diagnostics' 2020 report, the overall positivity rate for workplace drug testing increased for the first time in three years, rising to 4.5% in 2019 from 4.4% in 2018
• Increasing demand for comfort and safety features in vehicles, drives the drug of abuse testing market size

Drug of abuse testing is necessary to identify the presence of different drugs in a person’s body through various samples such as urine, saliva, blood, hair, etc. Drug of abuse testing is important in order to offer appropriate medical treatment to the person or to screen or monitor for the use of illegal drugs. Some of the commonly monitored drugs include:

• Marijuana
• Methadone
• Amphetamine and methamphetamine
• Benzodiazepines such as diazepam, lorazepam and oxazepam
• Cocaine
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, secobarbital and pentobarbital
• Opiates, such as heroin, codeine and morphine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Drug of abuse testing can be performed for various reasons such as medical screening, athletics testing, employment drug testing, and legal or forensic information among others. Medical screening for drugs is performed to determine what combination of drugs a person may have consumed in order to offer appropriate treatment. The effectiveness of the drug depends on the response of the patient’s body to the substance, quantity and combination of drug consumed, and the time it was taken. Drug of abuse testing for legal purposes aims at detecting the presence of the illegitimate drug in a variety of situations. The sample collection procedures for this kind of testing are strictly controlled and documented to maintain a legal chain of custody. Drug abuse testing at the organizational level is a specific type of forensic testing. It could be done prior to the employment, or on a random basis, following an accident, or in case if the employer has reasonable suspicion over an employee using illegal drugs. Drug testing is commonly performed on athletes on national and international levels with the primary focus being on doping. The use of some banned supplements or drugs promotes muscle growth and improves strength and endurance. Organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) focus on monitoring and screening athletes at national, international, and Olympic levels for doping. Most substances are barred in any quantity, and some, such as caffeine, are barred only when present in large amounts. Some compounds, such as peptide hormones such as growth hormone, erythropoietin, insulin-like growth factor-1, and testosterone are banned but are hard to measure as the body also produces them naturally.

The drug abuse testing market has been growing steadily over the past few years due to a number of factors. One major factor is the increasing prevalence of drug abuse across the world, particularly in the United States. The opioid epidemic, in particular, has driven demand for drug abuse testing, as healthcare providers and employers seek to identify and treat individuals who may be at risk of addiction or overdose. Another factor driving the growth of the drug abuse testing market is the increasing availability of drug testing products and services. There is now a wide range of drug testing products on the market, including urine, blood, and hair tests, as well as more advanced tests that can detect drugs in saliva and sweat. Additionally, there are now many companies offering drug testing services, which has made drug testing more accessible and affordable for a wider range of organizations and individuals.

Global Drug of Abuse Testing Market Trends

Market Drivers

• Increasing prevalence of drug abuse
• Growing demand for drug testing in healthcare and workplace settings
• Advancements in drug testing technology and increased availability of testing products
• Stringent regulations regarding drug testing in certain industries
• Increased awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse

Market Restraints

• High cost associated with drug testing
• Complexity of drug testing procedures and interpretation of results

Market Opportunities

• Growing trend of at-home drug testing kits and services
• Increasing focus on personalized medicine and drug monitoring

Drug of Abuse Testing Market Report Coverage

The global drug of abuse testing market is growing at a significant pace owing to the increased usage of drug of abuse testing at organizational levels and increased production and trade of illicit drugs worldwide. In addition, global increase in road accidents and death rates, increase in the consumption of illegal drugs and technological advancements in drug of abuse testing further drives the market growth. At the organizational level, drug of abuse testing is performed in order to increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve safety. According to a report from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), between 2008 and 2012, maximum illicit drug use was found in the accommodations and food services industry, approximately 19.1% of full-time workers aged 18 years to 64 years were reported to have used illicit drugs in a time span of 30 days. Similarly, in 2015, maximum alcohol abuse was found in the mining industry, approximately 17.5% of full-time workers aged 18 years to 64 years were reported to have heavy alcohol drinking in a time span of 30 days. The increased utilization of drug of abuse testing at organizational levels is expected to drive the growth of the market in the coming years. Further, the increased production and trafficking of illegal drugs are expected to increase the demand for drug of abuse testing. According to UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the area under opium cultivation increased from approximately 209,000 hectares in 2013 to 224,000 hectares in 2014, which is approximately a 7% increase. The extent of drug seizure can be used as an indirect measure of the increased trade of illicit drugs worldwide. For instance, according to UNODC, since 2002 Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan have accounted for more than 90% of opium seized across the globe, and this pattern also continued in 2013. Approximately 40 tons of cocaine was seized in 2013 in Brazil. The increase in the production and trade of illicit drugs across the globe leads to increased demand for drug of abuse testing.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market Segmentation                            

The global drug of abuse testing market segmentation is based on drug type, product, sample type, end user, and geography.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market By Drug Type

• Alcohol
• LSD
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Marijuana/Cannabis
• Others

According to our drug of abuse testing industry analysis, the marijuana/cannabis segment held the largest market share in 2022. marijuana/cannabis segment is a significant component of the drug abuse testing market. Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world and its use is becoming increasingly widespread due to its legalization for medical and/or recreational purposes in many countries and states. This has led to a growing demand for drug testing products that can accurately detect the presence of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, in a person's system.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market By Product

• Equipment
  • Immunoassay Analyzers
  • Breath Analyzers
  • Chromatography Instruments
• Consumables
  • Reagents
  • Rapid Test Kits
  • Others

In terms of products, the consumables segment is predicted to grow significantly in the coming years. Consumables are products that are used during the testing process and are consumed or disposed of after each use, such as drug testing kits, reagents, sample cups, and controls. These products are essential for accurate and reliable drug testing results and are used in a wide range of settings, including healthcare, the workplace, and criminal justice. Moreover, the consumer product segment is driven by several factors, including the increasing prevalence of drug abuse, the growing demand for drug testing products, and the increasing availability of drug testing services. In addition, the development of new and more accurate drug testing technologies is driving demand for new and innovative consumer products that can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and convenience of drug testing.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market By Sample Type 

• Urine
• Breath
• Saliva
• Blood
• Hair
• Others

According to the drug of abuse testing market forecast, the urine segment is expected to witness a considerable growth rate in the coming years. urine segment is expected to continue to grow as drug abuse remains a major public health concern and the demand for drug testing products and services increases. Technological advancements and innovations in urine testing are also likely to drive growth in the segment, as new and more accurate testing methods are developed.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market By End User

• Hospitals
• Workplaces
• Research Labs
• Criminal Justice Systems

In terms of end users, the workplaces segment dominates the drug of abuse testing market in 2022. The workplace segment is a significant component of the drug of abuse testing market, as drug testing is commonly used in workplaces to ensure employee safety and productivity. Drug use in the workplace can lead to accidents, injuries, and reduced productivity, and can also have legal and financial consequences for employers. As a result, many employers have implemented drug testing programs as part of their employee screening and safety protocols. The workplace segment is driven by several factors, including regulatory requirements, the desire to promote employee safety and productivity, and the availability of affordable and accurate drug testing products. In addition, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in society is driving demand for workplace drug testing programs.

Drug of Abuse Testing Market Regional Outlook