*/
Drug and alcohol misuse remains a frequent factor in family law proceedings, directly impacting assessments of parenting capacity, safeguarding, and contact arrangements.
Standard drug testing panels are designed to detect the most commonly misused substances – such as opiates, cocaine and cannabis. However, an increasing number of family law cases involve non-standard drugs: substances not routinely included in standard panels, yet capable of causing dependency, behavioural instability, and impaired parenting.
Non-standard drugs include anything not typically found on a standard testing panel, and include substances such as anabolic steroids, prescription medications (e.g. pregabalin, gabapentin, oxycodone) and hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, PCP, mescaline).
These substances may be incorrectly perceived by users as undetectable or ‘safe’ and are often obtained via online pharmacies or illicit markets. However, their misuse can result in detrimental psychological, behavioural and cognitive effects, with serious implications for child welfare and court assessments.
Steroid misuse is rarely addressed in family law contexts, yet its impact can be significant. These drugs are increasingly used by individuals – often men – seeking enhanced physical appearance or performance.
Chronic or high-dose use is associated with aggression, mood instability, and impaired judgement.
Where there are concerns about erratic or aggressive behaviour, especially in contact disputes, targeted testing for steroids should be considered.
Misuse of prescription medication has risen sharply, with many drugs used recreationally for their sedative, euphoric or pain-relieving effects, often in combination with other substances. Examples include:
As these drugs are not included in standard panels, misuse may go undetected without specific instruction. Even individuals with valid prescriptions may be at risk of dependency, potentially affecting their ability to care for children safely.
Hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP and mescaline are gaining popularity, particularly among individuals engaged in polysubstance misuse (using multiple drugs together). These substances can induce paranoia, hallucinations, and dissociation, significantly impairing emotional regulation and risk perception. Effects can also persist long after use, raising serious safeguarding concerns. Although less commonly abused than mainstream substances, targeted testing is essential where hallucinogen use is suspected or unexplained behavioural issues are present.
AlphaBiolabs continually monitors emerging trends in drug misuse and validates new substances in the laboratory, providing legal professionals with bespoke testing options. Our standard drug panel includes the top nine court-ordered drugs: methamphetamine, opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, ketamine, methadone and tramadol. Where additional substances are suspected, our non-standard panel can be tailored to include prescription medications (e.g. antidepressants, gabapentinoids), hallucinogens, anabolic steroids and many, many more.
Drug and alcohol misuse remains a frequent factor in family law proceedings, directly impacting assessments of parenting capacity, safeguarding, and contact arrangements.
Standard drug testing panels are designed to detect the most commonly misused substances – such as opiates, cocaine and cannabis. However, an increasing number of family law cases involve non-standard drugs: substances not routinely included in standard panels, yet capable of causing dependency, behavioural instability, and impaired parenting.
Non-standard drugs include anything not typically found on a standard testing panel, and include substances such as anabolic steroids, prescription medications (e.g. pregabalin, gabapentin, oxycodone) and hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, PCP, mescaline).
These substances may be incorrectly perceived by users as undetectable or ‘safe’ and are often obtained via online pharmacies or illicit markets. However, their misuse can result in detrimental psychological, behavioural and cognitive effects, with serious implications for child welfare and court assessments.
Steroid misuse is rarely addressed in family law contexts, yet its impact can be significant. These drugs are increasingly used by individuals – often men – seeking enhanced physical appearance or performance.
Chronic or high-dose use is associated with aggression, mood instability, and impaired judgement.
Where there are concerns about erratic or aggressive behaviour, especially in contact disputes, targeted testing for steroids should be considered.
Misuse of prescription medication has risen sharply, with many drugs used recreationally for their sedative, euphoric or pain-relieving effects, often in combination with other substances. Examples include:
As these drugs are not included in standard panels, misuse may go undetected without specific instruction. Even individuals with valid prescriptions may be at risk of dependency, potentially affecting their ability to care for children safely.
Hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP and mescaline are gaining popularity, particularly among individuals engaged in polysubstance misuse (using multiple drugs together). These substances can induce paranoia, hallucinations, and dissociation, significantly impairing emotional regulation and risk perception. Effects can also persist long after use, raising serious safeguarding concerns. Although less commonly abused than mainstream substances, targeted testing is essential where hallucinogen use is suspected or unexplained behavioural issues are present.
AlphaBiolabs continually monitors emerging trends in drug misuse and validates new substances in the laboratory, providing legal professionals with bespoke testing options. Our standard drug panel includes the top nine court-ordered drugs: methamphetamine, opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, ketamine, methadone and tramadol. Where additional substances are suspected, our non-standard panel can be tailored to include prescription medications (e.g. antidepressants, gabapentinoids), hallucinogens, anabolic steroids and many, many more.
Chair of the Bar sets out a busy calendar for the rest of the year
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Examined by Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
AlphaBiolabs has announced its latest Giving Back donation to RAY Ceredigion, a grassroots West Wales charity that provides play, learning and community opportunities for families across Ceredigion County
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, outlines why barristers, solicitors, judges, social workers and local authorities across the UK trust AlphaBiolabs for court-admissible testing
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs is helping to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, thanks to the company’s unique charity initiative that empowers legal professionals to give back to community causes
Through small but meaningful efforts, we can restore the sense of collegiality that has been so sorely eroded, says Baldip Singh
Come in with your eyes open, but don’t let fear cloud the prospect. A view from practice by John Dove
Looking to develop a specialist practice? Mariya Peykova discusses the benefits of secondments and her placement at the Information Commissioner’s Office
Anon Academic explains why he’s leaving the world of English literature for the Bar – after all, the two are not as far apart as they may first seem...
Review by Stephen Cragg KC