Workplace drug use on the rise as AlphaBiolabs reports 54 per cent increase in positive drug test results since before the pandemic
Press Release: 17th January 2022
Among those drugs showing up in positive tests, the presence of opiates more than doubled.
While this could be attributed to an increase in prescribed painkillers, AlphaBiolabs could not rule out the possibility of a rise in painkiller misuse since the pandemic began.
Cocaine saw the second biggest rise, with positive cases up by 37 per cent, followed by cannabis which was up by 30 per cent.
Rachel Davenport, Director at AlphaBiolabs, said: “It has been widely reported that the pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental and physical wellbeing, leaving a lot of people feeling isolated, with some seemingly turning to illicit substances to cope.
“While many workplaces already have a drug and alcohol policy in place, an unfortunate consequence of the lockdowns and a rise in working from home is that a lot of people are not being tested and have instead been left to their own devices.
“Although we can’t say whether these individuals are using drugs recreationally, to alleviate pain, or whether they were already struggling with addiction prior to the pandemic, this shocking rise in the number of positive cases demonstrates the importance of workplace drug testing.
“Such policies are crucial for safeguarding employees – especially those in safety critical roles – and enabling businesses to provide the proper support they need.”
AlphaBiolabs works with businesses across the UK and Ireland, providing a range of drug and alcohol testing services, including random testing, pre-employment, post rehab and return to work testing.
For expert advice on workplace drug and alcohol testing, or support with your policy, call our Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email workplace@alphabiolabs.com.
For further information please contact AlphaBiolabs on 0333 600 1300, email media@alphabiolabs.com or visit www.alphabiolabs.co.uk
*Source: All figures taken from AlphaBiolabs workplace testing data, workplace drug testing, 2019 and 2021.
All cases were recorded where an individual has returned a non-negative (positive) result from a urine testing pot. These results were subsequently tested at AlphaBiolabs’ UK laboratory, for accuracy.
Notes to editors
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Warrington, Cheshire, AlphaBiolabs is a leading and award-winning provider of DNA, drug, alcohol, and Covid-19 testing services in the UK.
The company employs state-of-the-art techniques to provide timely, accurate, and cost-efficient testing to meet a range of needs. The company’s client base spans consumers, businesses, family and immigration law solicitors, social services, local authorities, and the media.
The company also has walk-in centres in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Preston, and Warrington.
Visit www.alphabiolabs.co.uk for more information.
The media contact for AlphaBiolabs is Alyssa James
Email: ajames@alphabiolabs.com or media@alphabiolabs.com
Phone: 01925 255450
