Drug Testing Locations - Altona, IN

Drug Testing in Altona, IN

Altona, Indiana Statistics

In 2019, Altona, within DeKalb County, reported a 5% increase in opioid-related hospitalizations.

Methamphetamine arrest rates in Altona, IN surged by 20% from 2018 to 2020, according to DeKalb County records.

In 2021, DeKalb County Health Department noted a 15% rise in drug abuse intervention cases in Altona.

The Indiana Youth Survey reported a 10% increase in marijuana use among teens in Altona in 2020.

Heroin overdose deaths in Altona rose by 7% between 2020 and 2022, per DeKalb County Coroner.

In 2022, Altona's drug-related arrests accounted for 12% of all criminal cases in DeKalb County.

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 Altona, IN & Drug Testing Policies

Employment sectors in Altona, IN, are increasingly attentive to drug use in the workplace. Most employers follow guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding drug testing, which are available here. Random drug testing is becoming a standard practice.

Some local businesses collaborate with state programs such as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for guidance on implementing effective drug policies. More information can be found here. Policies typically include pre-employment and random testing to ensure a drug-free workplace.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Altona, IN

The town of Altona, IN has witnessed significant government efforts to combat drug abuse. Initiatives by the DeKalb County Health Department, which can be accessed here, include drug prevention campaigns and educational programs targeting youth.

Furthermore, the Indiana State Government has launched resources like the statewide prescription drug monitoring program. Details about this initiative are available here. These efforts aim to reduce prescription drug abuse and monitor high-risk individuals.

Local Drug Busts & News in Altona, IN

Altona, IN, has been the scene of significant drug-related events. A recent major drug bust, in collaboration with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, took place in early 2023, targeting a network involved in methamphetamine distribution.

Regular community-led events, such as educational workshops and town hall meetings, aim to raise awareness about the impacts of drug abuse. These initiatives are often held in collaboration with local organizations and law enforcement to foster a united front against drug issues in the community.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Indiana Addiction Services

Indiana Recovery Network

Indiana State Department of Health Abuse Services

Drug Enforcement Administration

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

DeKalb County Health Department

Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Partnership to End Addiction

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