Drug Testing Locations - Myrtlewood, AL

Drug Testing in Myrtlewood, AL

Myrtlewood, Alabama Statistics

In Myrtlewood, located in Marengo County, 12% of adults report past-month illicit drug use.

Myrtlewood's Marengo County sees approximately 250 hospital admissions annually related to drug abuse.

Marengo County reported a 15% increase in opioid-related deaths over the past year.

Drug-related arrests in Myrtlewood, Marengo County, account for 30% of total arrests.

Marengo County has a 20% higher rate of methamphetamine use compared to the state average.

75% of drug-related crimes in Myrtlewood involve possession rather than distribution.

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 Myrtlewood, AL & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Myrtlewood, AL, are actively involved in maintaining a drug-free workplace by implementing comprehensive drug testing policies. Many companies conduct pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing to ensure safety and productivity. These policies comply with guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory practices.

The focus is not only on maintaining a safe work environment but also on providing support for employees who may struggle with substance abuse. Programs like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are encouraged, offering confidential counseling and assistance. Local businesses often work alongside the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance to train managers and staff to recognize and address substance abuse issues effectively.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Myrtlewood, AL

The government in Myrtlewood, AL, as part of Marengo County, is proactively addressing drug abuse through various initiatives. One significant approach has been the establishment of educational programs in schools to prevent drug abuse among youth. Moreover, the county collaborates with SAMHSA to provide counseling and rehabilitation services, aiming to reduce addiction rates and support recovery efforts.

The local government also engages with Alabama Public Health to ensure access to resources such as Naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. Law enforcement agencies are trained through the state’s initiatives to handle drug-related incidents, focusing on harm reduction and rehabilitation rather than mere incarceration.

Local Drug Busts & News in Myrtlewood, AL

Local law enforcement in Myrtlewood, AL, has been active in cracking down on drug-related activities, leading to several significant busts in recent years. In one instance, a coordinated effort with the Marengo County Sheriff's Office resulted in the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, disrupting a prominent drug distribution network.

Community awareness events, such as town hall meetings and drug take-back days, have also been organized to engage residents in discussions about the impact of drug abuse. These events aim to educate the public on signs of drug activity and encourage them to report suspicious behavior to authorities, thereby fostering a community-driven approach to tackling drug problems.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

SAMHSA National Helpline

Addiction Center - Alabama Rehabs

The Addiction Resource - Alabama

Mental Health America of Alabama

CDC Drug Overdose

o-drug Help - Alabama Centers

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

DrugAbuse.com Alabama Experts

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