Drug Testing Locations - Lemont, IL

Drug Testing in Lemont, IL

Lemont, Illinois Statistics

In 2019, Cook County, where Lemont is located, reported over 500 opioid-related deaths.

The Lemont Police Department recorded 15 drug-related arrests in 2020, primarily for opioids and cannabis.

A survey in 2021 found that 7% of Lemont Middle School students had tried marijuana at least once.

Cook County experienced a 10% increase in opioid overdoses from 2020 to 2021 according to health department data.

In 2018, 60% of drug-related arrests in Lemont were connected to prescription drug abuse.

Overdose response training in Cook County reached over 1,000 residents in 2022.

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 Lemont, IL & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Lemont, IL, are actively implementing drug testing policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Many companies follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor and conduct pre-employment and random drug screenings. These tests typically include substances such as opioids, cannabis, and amphetamines.

Local businesses cooperate with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to maintain fair testing practices while safeguarding employee rights. Compliance with state regulations is crucial, as outlined by the Illinois Department of Labor, ensuring both employee privacy and safety at the workplace.

In particular, industries such as transportation and manufacturing follow stricter protocols due to safety concerns. Companies also provide support programs for employees struggling with substance abuse, facilitating access to treatment and recovery services.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Lemont, IL

The government in Lemont, IL has been proactive in addressing drug problems through various initiatives. The Cook County Government works closely with local law enforcement to implement community-based strategies to combat drug abuse. Programs focus on education, prevention, and providing resources for treatment and rehabilitation.

Additionally, state-level initiatives by the Illinois Department of Human Services aim to reduce opioid addiction by increasing access to Narcan and funding for recovery services. These efforts are supported through grants and collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of drug prevention programs.

Local Drug Busts & News in Lemont, IL

Lemont, IL, has experienced increased attention from law enforcement due to several drug busts recently. The local police, in collaboration with county authorities, have made strides in curbing illegal drug distribution in the area. These efforts focus on dismantling networks that traffic narcotics, with recent operations resulting in several arrests and seizures of large quantities of drugs.

In one significant operation, the Lemont Police Department executed a search warrant leading to the arrest of multiple suspects. The suspects were allegedly part of a group responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin in the area. This operation is one among many that reflect the community's commitment to tackling drug-related issues head-on.

Efforts to combat the drug problem in Lemont are not limited to law enforcement. Community organizations have also stepped up their activities, promoting educational programs aimed at preventing drug abuse. These programs focus on raising awareness among youth and providing resources for those seeking help to overcome addiction, thereby promoting a healthier environment for all residents.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

RecoveringWorks

Gateway Foundation

Chicago Social Development and Addiction Services

The Haven

Illinois Pharmacy Association

DuPage County Health Department

Roseland Community Hospital

Hayes Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program

STEP Recovery

Family Guidance Centers

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