Drug Testing Locations - Durham, CT

Drug Testing in Durham, CT

Durham, Connecticut Statistics

As of 2020, Middlesex County reported a 15% increase in opioid-related overdoses.

Durham, CT saw a rise in adolescent drug use by 8% from 2018 to 2020.

In 2019, Middlesex County had 65 drug overdose deaths.

Durham has one of the lowest rates of prescription drug abuse in the county at 4.2%.

Middlesex County ranked 4th in the state for opioid prescriptions per capita in 2019.

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 Durham, CT & Drug Testing Policies

Many employers in Durham, CT, have implemented policies to mitigate substance abuse in the workplace. Routine drug testing is often part of employment procedures, aligning with guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Companies strive to maintain a drug-free environment to ensure safety and productivity. Employers often provide employee assistance programs (EAPs) designed to offer confidential counseling, support, and treatment for employees experiencing substance abuse issues.

The US Department of Labor supports regional businesses in enforcing these policies through workshops and training, helping to curb the impact of drug use on work environments. Employers also promote educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Durham, CT

The government of Durham, CT, has implemented various initiatives to combat the drug problem. One such effort is the partnership with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, focusing on prevention and education programs. Additionally, the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council actively organizes community outreach to spread awareness and provide support to affected families.

Local authorities are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to reduce drug trafficking and related crimes. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection plays a critical role in addressing these issues through multi-agency operations and support for local police forces. Efforts include deploying more resources for rehabilitation and support services.

Local Drug Busts & News in Durham, CT

Recent local drug busts in Durham, CT, highlight ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities. In 2022, local authorities collaborated with federal agencies to dismantle a major drug trafficking ring. This operation resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of illegal substances.

The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office regularly conducts 'Operation Clean Sweep', a county-wide effort to crackdown on drug distribution networks by targeting known hotspots. This initiative has significantly reduced the availability of illicit drugs in the region.

Community forums and drug awareness events are frequently held to educate residents about current drug trends and prevention strategies. These events often feature guest speakers from organizations such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), facilitating a broader understanding of the national drug crisis and its local implications.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Connecticut Department of Public Health

Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)

The Hub - Behavioral Health Action Organization

Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention

Project Courage

REACHOUT Connecticut

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