Drug Testing Locations - Folsom, AL

Drug Testing in Folsom, AL

Folsom, Alabama Statistics

In Folsom, AL, located in Walker County, opioid misuse impacted 12% of the population in the last year.

Folsom, Walker County, reported a 15% increase in methamphetamine-related arrests over the past two years.

In Walker County, which includes Folsom, over 50% of rehab admissions in 2022 were due to opioid addiction.

Folsom, AL, saw a 20% rise in heroin-related emergency room visits in the last 18 months, according to Walker County health reports.

In Walker County, Folsom included, there was a 25% increase in prescription drug misuse among teenagers from 2020 to 2022.

Walker County reports that Folsom had a 10% decrease in drug-related burglaries in 2022.

How does the body eliminate Drugs

Drug elimination is the sum of the processes of removing an administered drug from the body. In the pharmacokinetic ADME scheme (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), it is frequently considered to encompass both metabolism and excretion. Hydrophobic drugs, to be excreted, must undergo metabolic modification making them more polar. Hydrophilic drugs, on the other hand, can undergo excretion directly, without the need for metabolic changes to their molecular structures.

Although many sites of metabolism and excretion exist, the chief organ of metabolism is the liver, while the organ primarily tasked with excretion is the kidney. Any significant dysfunction in either organ can result in the accumulation of the drug or its metabolites in toxic concentrations.

A variety of other factors impact elimination — intrinsic drug properties, such as polarity, size, or pKa. Also other factors include genetic variation among individuals, disease states affecting other organs, and pathways involved in the way the drug distributes through the body, such as first-pass metabolism.

Issues of Concern

Drug elimination is the removal of an administered drug from the body. It is accomplished in two ways, either by excretion of an unmetabolized drug in its intact form or by metabolic biotransformation followed by excretion. While excretion is primarily carried out by the kidneys, other organ systems are involved as well. Similarly, the liver is the primary site of biotransformation, yet extrahepatic metabolism takes place in a variety of organ systems affecting multiple drugs.

Given the multiple organ systems and the variety of metabolic transformations present, drug elimination can entail a significant degree of complexity. Hydrophilic drugs are typically directly excreted by the kidneys, while hydrophobic drugs undergo biotransformation before excretion. The purpose here is twofold – biotransformation serves both detoxify the exogenous substances as well as to increase their hydrophilicity, ensuring their elimination via the kidneys.

Two broad metabolic pathways of hepatic drug transformation exist. Phase I is the direct modification of the target molecule, whereas phase II entails conjugation of the target to a polar molecule of low molecular weight. Phase I prepare the drug to enter phase II, but single-phase metabolism also exists.

Phase I involves oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis of the exogenous molecule. These reactions are accomplished by hepatic microsomal enzymes, which reside in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the hepatocytes. Best known among them is the cytochrome P450 system, whose enzymes are predominantly involved in oxidative metabolism. Within the cytochrome P450 family (CYP), the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of more than 50% of existing drugs is the CYP3A4. Its activity encompasses various classes of medications, including opioids, immunosuppressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. The enzymes can also be induced or inhibited by a variety of substances they interact with, including pharmaceuticals. The increase in metabolic activity with CYP induction results in a diminished activity of drugs targeted by that particular isoform. Conversely, CYP inhibition will result in increased drug plasma concentration, potentially leading toxicity. The CYP3A4 is induced by phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort, while diltiazem, erythromycin, and grapefruit inhibit it. Caution is, therefore, necessary when administering CYP3A4-metabolized drugs in the presence of any of the inhibitors or inducers.

Phase II consists of covalent bonding of polar groups to nonpolar molecules to render them water-soluble and allow renal or biliary excretion. Target molecules enter phase II directly or via initial processing through phase I. A variety of polar adjuncts is transferred, including amino acids, glucuronic acid, glutathione, acetate, and sulfate. Glucuronidation is one of the major pathways of phase II biotransformation. The UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme family performs this activity. Typically, glucuronide derivatives possess less or no activity of the original drug, but in some cases, pharmacologically active compounds result. Morphine-6-glucuronide is a phase II metabolite of morphine with significant analgesic activity. As with the CYP enzymes, inducers, and inhibitors of phase II, enzymes exist and may influence the efficacy of drugs that rely on conjugation before excretion.

The first-pass effect is a feature of hepatic metabolism that also plays a role in the elimination of multiple drugs. Here, the enteric consumed drugs are exposed directly to the liver via the portal vein, where they undergo biotransformation before entering the systemic circulation. This activity reduces the bioavailability and needs to be factored into the dose administered to the patient. Intravenously administered drugs are not subject to the first-pass effect.

Extrahepatic drug metabolism takes place in the GI tract, kidneys, lungs, plasma, and skin.

Renal excretion completes the process of elimination that begins in the liver. Polar drugs or their metabolites get filtered in the kidneys and typically do not undergo reabsorption. They subsequently get excreted in the urine. Urinary pH has a significant impact on excretion, as drug ionization changes depending on the alkaline or acidic environment. Increased excretion occurs with weakly acidic drugs in basic urine and weakly basic drugs in acidic urine.

Excretion in the bile is another significant form of drug elimination. The liver can actively secrete ionized drugs with a molecular weight greater than 300 g/mol into bile, from where they reach the digestive tract and are either eliminated in feces or reabsorbed as part of the enterohepatic cycle.

Other pathways of excretion include the lungs, breast milk, sweat, saliva, and tears

Employers in Folsom, AL & Drug Testing Policies

In Folsom, AL, many employers have implemented strict drug testing policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment. These policies often include pre-employment testing, random screenings, and post-accident tests. Guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor helps businesses maintain these standards effectively.

Local enterprises emphasize a drug-free workplace, aligning with Walker County's statistics on substance abuse. Collaboration between Folsom employers and local health agencies aims to offer support and resources for employees struggling with addiction, thus balancing workplace safety with employee health needs.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Folsom, AL

The Government of Folsom, AL, has been actively involved in addressing drug problems in the community. Local initiatives include collaboration with law enforcement and community organizations to provide education and resources. Details on federal grants supporting these efforts can be found on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.

State support is also significant, with resources provided by the Alabama State Government to aid in drug abuse prevention and treatment. Community forums and active engagement with residents have been emphasized to foster a comprehensive approach to drug issues in Folsom, located in Walker County.

Local Drug Busts & News in Folsom, AL

Recent drug-related events in Folsom, AL, reflect the community's ongoing battle with substance abuse. Local law enforcement reported a major drug bust in early 2023, which uncovered a significant methamphetamine distribution operation across Walker County.

Additionally, community-led events such as drug take-back days offer residents in Folsom an opportunity to safely dispose of unused medications, reducing the risk of abuse and promoting public health. These events are often supported by state funding and local advocacy groups working tirelessly against the drug crisis.

Occupational Health Services

Accredited Drug Testing offers fast, reliable employment screening services in Folsom, AL. Trusted by employers nationwide for accurate results and exceptional service.

Alabama DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Alabama Vision Tests

Alabama Audiograms

Alabama Respirator Fit Tests

Alabama Lift Tests

Alabama Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in AL

Diabetes Testing in AL

Infectious Disease Testing in AL

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in AL

Women/Men's Health Testing in AL

Resources & Citations

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

FindTreatment.gov

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse Statistics

Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association

Alabama Department of Public Health

Alabama State Government

SAMHSA

Drug Testing Near Folsom, AL

Cragford, AL

Hobson, AL

Tennant, AL

Ranburne, AL

Graham, AL

Randolph, AL

Hollis Crossroads, AL

Delta, AL

Wedowee, AL

Morrison Crossroad, AL

Morrison Crossroads, AL

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews