Substance Abuse Problem

Finding out that a child, friend, relative, or loved one has developed a substance abuse problem is devastating - especially when substance users are often very good at hiding their drug use from those around them. The longer drug abuse goes unrecognized, the more likely that it will result in long-term and devastating consequences - both for the user, and for the people around them.

​

If you suspect a child, a relative, or an employee may be abusing drugs, you should consider using Special Investigations Group's trained investigators to gather evidence of abuse, to protect the user and to protect the people who depend on them.

​

What is a Substance Abuse Investigation?

The focus of any substance abuse investigation are:

1. To determine whether or not the target of the investigation is abusing drugs, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication.

2. To collect evidence of the drug abuse that can be admitted in court, if necessary.

Substance abuse investigations may be carried out for the singular purpose of identifying and documenting the drug use of the investigation’s target or it may be conducted in conjunction with another type of investigation, such as:

• Divorce investigation

• Adultery surveillance

• Spousal or child abuse investigation

• Child custody or support investigation

• Premarital background check

• Pre-employment background check

• Elder abuse investigation

• Insurance policy or workers compensation fraud

Evidence of drug abuse can be useful in legal matters concerning employment, child custody, divorce, and more.

​

Who are Substance Abuse Investigations For?

A substance abuse investigation may be initiated by anyone concerned about the health and well being of a family member, friend, or employee.

​

Starting a Substance Abuse Investigation:

Hiring Special Investigations Group is quick and simple. Every case is assigned an experienced and dedicated investigator to assist you in every step of the way. Here’s how a substance abuse investigation with Special Investigations Group works:

​

1. Request a Consultation: Submit your case online or by phone to schedule your consultation. We’ll ask for the details we need to get your case matched with an investigator and provide cost estimates.

 

2. Connect With Your Investigator:A licensed private investigator will contact you to talk to you about the purpose and goals of the investigation, and to collect any relevant information about your case.

​

3. Investigation in Progress: A substance abuse investigation may include a number of investigatory methods and techniques, including:

• Drug testing: In most cases, parents have the right to compel a minor child to submit to a drug test.  Investigators cannot compel an adult to submit to a drug test without a court order. Laws regarding an employer’s right to drug testing potential and current employees vary by jurisdiction. Most states allow for mandatory pre-employment drug testing of job applicants as long as the employer provides proper notice to the applicant and follows all required testing procedures. Drug testing of current employees can be more difficult. Most jurisdictions prohibit random or blanket employee drug testing. Testing is generally allowed, though, if the employer has good reason to suspect drug use by the specific employee, when an accident has been caused due to drug use, or when the job involves a high risk of injury.

• Surveillance: Substance abuse investigations often include physical surveillance of the investigation target, along with their friends and acquaintances, in order to collect photographic or video evidence of drug-use or other drug-related activities.

• Online and social media search: The investigation may include a comprehensive search and analysis of online and social media activities, such as relevant personal profiles, posts, chats, photos, videos, etc.

• Background research: Research into the subject’s history, including their criminal and civil litigation history, marriage and family records, property and assets records, and more.

4. Case Updates and Final Report: You will receive regular updates while your investigation is in progress, and a comprehensive report summarizing all findings at the investigation’s conclusion.  In addition, Special Investigations Group's Investigators are always available to testify in court to the facts learned during the investigation.

​

What Investigators Will Not Do

Special Investigations Group Investigators adhere to the law and strict ethical standards during the course of all investigations. No investigators will, for example, attempt to obtain any legally protected information or records, or conduct any drug testing specifically prohibited by law. However, investigators will do whatever is necessary within the bounds of the law to ensure success.