Global Drug of Abuse Testing Services Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 6.4%

Introduction

A key aspect driving the growth of the global drug of abuse testing services market is the rising implementation of drug testing policies in workplaces. Industries such as transportation, construction, and healthcare are increasingly enforcing regular screenings to ensure safety, uphold productivity, and meet regulatory standards. This is especially crucial in high-risk environments where substance use can result in serious accidents and legal repercussions.

Moreover, drug testing is gaining traction in educational institutions and sports organizations, where it serves as a preventive measure to discourage drug use, promote healthier habits, and ensure fair competition. The market is also benefiting from the adoption of routine testing in rehabilitation centers and pain management clinics, where it plays a vital role in monitoring treatment adherence and preventing relapse. Collectively, these expanding applications across various sectors are fostering the demand for drug of abuse testing services, solidifying their role in advancing public health and safety.

Market Dynamics

Increasing drug abuse rates drive the global market

The growing global incidence of drug abuse is a key aspect fueling the expansion of the drug of abuse testing services market. Increasing substance use across all age groups, particularly among young people and working professionals has amplified the need for timely detection and intervention.

• As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2023 report, over 296 million individuals used drugs in 2021, marking a 23% increase over the past decade. Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported approximately 80,400 drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending December 2024.

These concerning statistics have led to a stronger emphasis by governments, employers, and healthcare institutions on implementing regular drug testing protocols. Consequently, there is a surging global demand for fast, reliable, and easily accessible drug testing services.

Government initiatives create tremendous opportunities

Government-driven initiatives are creating substantial growth opportunities in the drug of abuse testing services market. Rising concerns over public safety, workplace efficiency, and increasing substance abuse rates are prompting regulatory agencies to implement more rigorous drug screening measures across various sectors.

• For example, in 2025, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) raised the random drug and alcohol testing rate for pipeline workers from 25% to 50%, following a positive test rate exceeding 1%. Furthermore, in January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through SAMHSA, finalized an updated rule for federal workplace drug testing, revising approved panels for urine and oral fluid testing.

These regulatory actions reflect a growing focus on drug prevention and control. Similar policies are gaining traction worldwide, fostering stronger public-private partnerships and expanding opportunities for both centralized laboratory services and point-of-care testing solutions.

Regional Analysis

North America dominates the drug of abuse testing services market due to strict regulatory frameworks, rising substance abuse cases, and widespread workplace testing policies. In the U.S., the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports over 48.7 million Americans used illicit drugs in 2022, intensifying the demand for routine screening. The U.S. Department of Transportation enforces mandatory drug testing for millions of safety-sensitive employees, while large corporations like Amazon and UPS regularly conduct pre-employment and random drug tests. 

In Canada, the legalization of cannabis has increased the need for precise workplace and roadside impairment testing. Moreover, the adoption of oral fluid and rapid urine testing has surged, particularly in sectors such as logistics, oil & gas, and aviation. Private labs and telehealth platforms are also expanding remote testing capabilities, catering to post-pandemic healthcare models across North America.

Key Highlights

• The global drug of abuse testing services market size was valued at 4.12 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 4.38 billion in 2025 to reach USD 7.20 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period (2025–2033). 
• By drug type, the global drug of abuse testing services market is segmented into alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamine and methamphetamine, LSD, and others. The offline segment dominated the market. The cannabis/marijuana segment dominated the market.
• By sample type, the market is categorized into urine, saliva, hair, blood, and others. 
• By end-user, the market is divided into hospitals and clinics, diagnostic laboratories, workplace/corporate sector, criminal justice and law enforcement agencies, rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, home settings, and others.
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

The key players in the global market are Quest Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Cordant Health Solutions, Legacy Medical Services, DrugScan, Omega Laboratories, Inc., Psychemedics Corporation, Millennium Health, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Precision Diagnostics, LGC Group, and others.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025- Intelligent Bio Solutions introduced a fingerprint sweat–based screening system that provides results in under 10 minutes using just a fingerprint sample. It detects opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis, offering a hygienic, cost-efficient on-site option ideal for workplaces.

Segmentation

1. By Drug Type 
   1. Alcohol
   2. Cannabis/Marijuana
   3. Cocaine
   4. Opioids
   5. Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
   6. LSD
   7. Others
2. By Sample Type
   1. Urine
   2. Saliva
   3. Hair
   4. Blood
   5. Others
3. By End-User
   1. Hospitals and Clinics
   2. Diagnostic Laboratories
   3. Workplace/Corporate Sector
   4. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Agencies
   5. Rehabilitation Centers
   6. Educational Institutions
   7. Home Settings
   8. Others