Drug Testing Locations - Meridian, CO

Drug Testing in Meridian, CO

Meridian, Colorado Statistics

In Meridian, CO, Douglas County reported a 22% increase in drug overdoses in 2022.

Douglas County, where Meridian, CO is located, saw a 30% rise in opioid-related deaths in 2021.

Meridian, CO, and nearby areas reported 15% of high school students admitted to using illicit drugs in 2022.

Drug-related emergency calls in Meridian, CO, increased by 18% from 2020 to 2022, according to Douglas County Police.

In 2022, Meridian, CO, noted that 40% of drug-related arrests involved individuals under the age of 30.

Douglas County recorded a 25% increase in the confiscation of illegal substances in Meridian, CO, during 2021.

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 Meridian, CO & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Meridian, CO, are taking proactive steps to address drug use in the workplace. Many companies have implemented comprehensive drug testing policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Businesses often follow guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to standardize their testing procedures.

These policies typically include pre-employment screening, random drug tests, and post-accident testing. Employers are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and may provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support those struggling with addiction. Through these initiatives, companies in Meridian aim to foster a healthier work environment while promoting rehabilitation and responsible choices among employees.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Meridian, CO

In Meridian, CO, the local government has intensified its efforts to address drug problems. The Douglas County Health Department collaborates with agencies like the Douglas County Government and State of Colorado to create prevention programs focusing on education and outreach initiatives. These programs aim to provide resources and support for individuals struggling with addiction and their families.

The county has also invested in rehabilitation services and support networks to assist those in need. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides helplines and counseling services in the region. Efforts have been made to improve law enforcement training to better handle drug-related situations and facilitate recovery rather than incarceration.

Local Drug Busts & News in Meridian, CO

Recent drug busts in Meridian, CO, have highlighted the ongoing issues of substance abuse in the community. In early 2023, a collaboration between the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement led to the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin. This operation aimed to dismantle a trafficking network operating within the region.

Community awareness events are frequently organized to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse and the resources available for addiction treatment. These events often feature expert speakers and provide a platform for open discussions on solutions to combat substance misuse. Efforts continue in Meridian and Douglas County to reduce the prevalence of drug-related crimes and support recovery initiatives.

Occupational Health Services

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

Colorado DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Colorado Vision Tests

Colorado Audiograms

Colorado Respirator Fit Tests

Colorado Lift Tests

Colorado Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in CO

Diabetes Testing in CO

Infectious Disease Testing in CO

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in CO

Women/Men's Health Testing in CO

Resources & Citations

Douglas County Government

Colorado Recovery Support Services

SAMHSA Treatment Locator

Narcotics Anonymous

Colorado Recovery Specialist Support

CSTep

Denver Government

HG.org Directory of Drug Attorneys

Denver Health

CoRecovery Colorado

Drug Testing Near Meridian, CO

Cherry Creek, CO

Castlewood, CO

Gateway, CO

Stonegate, CO

Cottonwood, CO

Acres Green, CO

Centennial, CO

Inverness, CO

Lone Tree, CO

Dove Valley, CO

Grand View Estates, CO

Heritage Hills, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews