Drug Testing Locations - Stonington, CT

Drug Testing in Stonington, CT

Stonington, Connecticut Statistics

In 2020, Stonington, located in New London County, reported 120 cases of substance abuse admissions.

Overdoses in Stonington, New London County, increased by 15% between 2019 and 2021.

New London County recorded 180 opioid-related deaths in 2019, with a significant portion from Stonington.

Stonington saw a 10% rise in methamphetamine use in 2021 according to local health officials.

In 2022, the Stonington Police Department reported 200 drug-related arrests.

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 Stonington, CT & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Stonington, CT, prioritize maintaining a drug-free workplace by implementing stringent drug testing policies. Local companies often collaborate with the Connecticut Department of Labor to ensure compliance with state guidelines. Random screenings and pre-employment testing serve as deterrents and ensure safety in the workplace.

Corporate policies generally support rehabilitation for employees who self-report substance abuse issues, recognizing the importance of retaining skilled workers. Employers may offer access to resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide counseling and recovery support. This approach not only addresses safety but also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Stonington, CT

Stonington, CT, has been proactive in addressing drug problems through various government efforts. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services plays a pivotal role, offering rehabilitation and support programs to residents. Collaborations with federal agencies like the DEA enhance surveillance and intervention efforts in New London County.

The Stonington Drug and Alcohol Commission has implemented educational campaigns to increase awareness about the risks of drug abuse. Additionally, the town works with the New London Health and Community Services department to provide counseling and preventive services. These combined efforts aim to reduce addiction rates and support recovery for affected individuals and families.

Local Drug Busts & News in Stonington, CT

Stonington, CT, has experienced several notable drug busts recently, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking. In 2022, a significant operation led by the local police resulted in the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl and heroin. These actions are part of coordinated efforts with the Drug Enforcement Administration to dismantle drug networks.

Public drug awareness events have also been crucial in combating drug issues in Stonington. Communities often host forums and workshops to educate residents about prevention and treatment options, fostering a culture of vigilance and support.

The annual "Drug Take-Back Day," supported by local law enforcement, encourages residents to safely dispose of unused medications, mitigating the risk of misuse. These initiatives demonstrate Stonington's commitment to reducing drug-related harms and engaging the community in these efforts.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery

The Care Network

Rushford Mental Health and Addiction Care

CT Department of Children and Families

Wheeler Clinic Addiction Services

Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force

Connecticut Department of Housing

BHcare

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