Drug Testing Locations - Matthews, GA

Drug Testing in Matthews, GA

Matthews, Georgia Statistics

In Matthews, GA, approximately 18% of adults reported illicit drug use in 2022.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reported a 12% increase in drug-related arrests in 2022.

Over 20% of teenagers in Matthews, GA, experimented with drugs in the past year.

Opioid-related overdoses in Jefferson County saw a 15% rise from 2021 to 2022.

Drug treatment admissions in Matthews, GA rose by 20% between 2020 and 2022.

Methamphetamine-related incidents in Matthews, GA increased by 25% in recent years.

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 Matthews, GA & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Matthews, GA, play a critical role in combating drug abuse by implementing robust drug testing policies. Many local businesses have established pre-employment and random drug screening processes to ensure a safe and productive workplace. These guidelines align with standards provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Furthermore, several companies in Matthews have incorporated employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer counseling and support for substance abuse issues. This proactive approach helps employees access necessary resources for recovery, improving overall well-being and productivity in the workplace.

Additionally, employers frequently collaborate with local organizations and participate in community outreach initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment. This coalition approach between the business sector and community resources contributes significantly to reducing drug-related incidents in Matthews.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Matthews, GA

The government of Matthews, GA, along with Jefferson County authorities, has initiated several programs aimed at curbing drug addiction and abuse within its community. These initiatives include enhanced cooperation between local law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services, providing educational resources and support services aimed at prevention and recovery.

In collaboration with the state of Georgia, Matthews has also improved access to treatment facilities, ensuring that those struggling with addiction have pathways to receive the help they need. To further these efforts, the community has been working closely with agencies like the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to implement effective strategies for diminishing substance abuse.

Local Drug Busts & News in Matthews, GA

In recent years, Matthews, GA, has witnessed several significant drug busts, underscoring the ongoing challenges the community faces related to drug trafficking and abuse. One such event involved the interception of a large shipment of methamphetamine, leading to the arrest of multiple individuals connected to a broader network operating in Jefferson County.

The local police department, working in conjunction with federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, has intensified its efforts to combat drug-related crime. These actions include increased surveillance and community engagement initiatives to encourage residents to report suspicious activities.

Moreover, drug take-back events have become more frequent in Matthews, providing residents with a safe and secure way to dispose of unused or expired medications. These events help prevent prescription medication abuse and reduce the availability of illicit substances within the community.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition

Georgia Substance Abuse and Addiction Resource

Georgia Overdose Prevention

The Carter Center Mental Health Program

Center for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mindspring Mental Health Alliance

The Healing Place of Atlanta

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