Drug Testing Locations - Harvey, LA

Drug Testing in Harvey, LA

Harvey, Louisiana Statistics

In 2022, Jefferson Parish reported a 15% increase in drug-related arrests.

The opioid prescription rate in Harvey, LA, was 75 per 100 people in 2020.

In 2021, Harvey, LA, saw 25 overdose deaths, marking a 10% rise from 2020.

Harvey's emergency response to drug overdoses increased by 20% in 2021.

50% of drug-related crimes in Jefferson Parish involve narcotics possession.

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 Harvey, LA & Drug Testing Policies

Many employers in Harvey, LA, have implemented drug testing policies to maintain a safe and secure working environment. Such regulations are designed to deter drug use and ensure workplace safety. Regular employee screenings are common, especially in industries like construction and healthcare.

The Louisiana Department of Labor provides guidance on maintaining compliant drug testing policies. Employers often align their policies with state regulations to foster a responsible workplace culture.

Drug-free workplace policies in Harvey focus on education and support for employees who might be struggling with drug addiction. Such programs often include counseling services tailored to assist individuals in overcoming substance dependencies.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Harvey, LA

The government of Harvey, LA, collaborates closely with the Jefferson Parish authorities to combat drug abuse. Several initiatives focus on prevention, education, and rehabilitation. The Parish's health department spearheads community workshops aimed at reducing substance abuse through education.

Federal and state resources are also leveraged to combat the drug crisis in Harvey. The DEA and Louisiana Department of Health offer support through grants and strategic programs targeting vulnerable communities.

Local Drug Busts & News in Harvey, LA

In a recent operation, local law enforcement in Harvey, LA, successfully dismantled a drug trafficking ring that had been operating in the area for several months. The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies and resulted in several arrests. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the community in addressing drug-related activities, underscoring the importance of collaboration among law enforcement entities.

The latest drug bust in Harvey, LA, has sparked renewed conversations about the impacts of illegal substances on the community. Residents have long voiced concerns over the increase in drug-related crime, and the recent arrests are seen as a positive step towards restoring peace and safety. Efforts are now focused on rehabilitation and support services for those affected by addiction.

Authorities in Harvey, LA, recently seized a significant quantity of controlled substances, marking one of the largest drug busts in the area this year. The operation involved undercover agents who infiltrated the drug network, leading to the capture of several key figures. This event has prompted local leaders to push for more robust prevention programs to deter drug trafficking and abuse within the community.

Community members in Harvey, LA, are rallying together following the latest drug-related event, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and education on substance abuse. Support groups and community meetings have been organized to address the rise in drug use and its impact on families. There is a strong call for more comprehensive strategies to combat this pervasive issue and prevent future incidents.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Louisiana o-drug Action Network

New Orleans Health Department

U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana

Louisiana District Attorneys Association

Louisiana Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Narconon Louisiana

Metropolitan Crime Commission of New Orleans

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