Drug Testing Locations - Clarkston, GA

Drug Testing in Clarkston, GA

Clarkston, Georgia Statistics

In 2021, DeKalb County, where Clarkston is located, reported a 20% increase in drug-related arrests.

Approximately 15% of adolescents in Clarkston, GA, have experimented with illicit drugs as of 2020.

In 2022, DeKalb County experienced over 300 opioid-related overdoses, a portion of which were in Clarkston.

Clarkston, GA saw a 12% rise in emergency room visits due to drug overdoses in 2019.

In a 2020 community survey, 8% of Clarkston residents reported a family member suffering from addiction.

DeKalb County ranked in the top 10 for drug-related deaths in Georgia in 2021, impacting areas like Clarkston.

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 Clarkston, GA & Drug Testing Policies

A number of employers in Clarkston, GA, have implemented robust drug testing policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Businesses often align their policies with state guidelines, utilizing resources from the Georgia Department of Labor for guidance and compliance.

These policies typically include pre-employment drug screening and random testing for current employees. Employers are committed to fostering a drug-free workplace and offer support programs for employees struggling with addiction, contributing to both individual and community well-being.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Clarkston, GA

In response to the rising drug issues, the government of Clarkston, GA, part of DeKalb County, has intensified its efforts towards education and prevention programs. They actively collaborate with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to enhance community awareness and resilience.

Moreover, partnerships have been strengthened with local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking. The DeKalb County Police Department is focusing on stricter enforcement of drug-related laws and enhancing community engagement to foster a safer environment.

Local Drug Busts & News in Clarkston, GA

In recent months, Clarkston, GA, has seen a surge in local drug busts, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to curb illegal activities. The city's police department, in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, has executed multiple raids targeting key drug distribution networks. These operations have successfully led to arrests and the confiscation of large quantities of narcotics that were intended for distribution.

The community of Clarkston has been actively involved in these efforts, working alongside local authorities through neighborhood watch programs and reporting suspicious activities. This collaboration has been vital in identifying high-risk areas and potential drug-related hotspots. Public forums and community meetings are held regularly to educate residents about the signs of drug trafficking and how to report such incidents.

The impact of these efforts has been felt across the city, with a noticeable decrease in drug-related crimes. The council has committed to maintaining funding for these initiatives, ensuring that the fight against drugs remains a priority. Moreover, rehabilitation programs for those affected by addiction are gaining momentum, providing support for individuals looking to recover and reintegrate into society.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health

Atlanta Recovery Place

HopeQuest Group

Georgia Overdose Prevention

The Council on Alcohol and Drugs

Blue Ridge Mountain Recovery Center

Ridgeview Institute

Tango Recovery

Families First

Carter Consultants

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