Drug Testing Locations - Westminster, LA

Drug Testing in Westminster, LA

Westminster, Louisiana Statistics

In Westminster, LA, Jefferson Parish reported a 15% increase in opioid overdoses from 2021 to 2022.

Westminster, LA, faces a methamphetamine usage rate of about 12% among young adults in Jefferson Parish.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office saw a 25% rise in drug-related arrests in Westminster, LA, in 2022.

Fentanyl was involved in approximately 60% of all drug overdose deaths in Westminster, LA, last year.

The rate of prescription drug abuse in Westminster, LA, is 22% among teenagers, according to the latest Parish survey.

In 2023, naloxone administration increased by 30% in Westminster, LA, according to local EMS reports.

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 Westminster, LA & Drug Testing Policies

Most employers in Westminster, LA, including those in the industrial sectors, have adopted strict drug testing policies. These policies are aimed at ensuring workplace safety and compliance with federal regulations. Companies often conduct pre-employment, random, and post-incident drug testing.

The U.S. Department of Labor provides guidelines and support for employers to implement effective drug-free workplace programs. In Westminster, local businesses frequently collaborate with health services to offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), supporting workers struggling with substance abuse.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Westminster, LA

The government of Westminster, LA, has intensified efforts to curb drug abuse. The Jefferson Parish Government collaborates with various agencies to implement community programs aimed at preventing substance abuse and providing support to those affected.

Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Health runs initiatives targeting education and rehabilitation. These efforts are part of a larger state mission to reduce drug-related harm, facilitated by partnerships with state and federal agencies.

Local Drug Busts & News in Westminster, LA

Recent drug busts in Westminster, LA, have led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. In a significant operation last month, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office dismantled a major drug trafficking ring.

Local authorities continue to work to intercept drugs and dismantle networks operating in Westminster. Enhanced patrols and community reporting systems contribute to the proactive identification and addressing of drug-related activities.

Occupational Health Services

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

Louisiana DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Louisiana Vision Tests

Louisiana Audiograms

Louisiana Respirator Fit Tests

Louisiana Lift Tests

Louisiana Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in LA

Diabetes Testing in LA

Infectious Disease Testing in LA

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in LA

Women/Men's Health Testing in LA

Resources & Citations

SAMHSA National Helpline

Louisiana Drug Rehab

o-drug Data Verification Network

Jefferson Parish Substance Abuse Programs

Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse

Louisiana Department of Health: Behavioral Health

Rehabs.com in Westminster

Louisiana Healthcare Connections

North Louisiana Technical Community College: Behavioral Health

o-drug Crisis Response

Drug Testing Near Westminster, LA

Garden City, LA

North Highlands, LA

Merrydale, LA

Monticello, LA

Shenandoah, LA

Gardere, LA

Old Jefferson, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Red Oak, LA

Village St. George, LA

Village Saint George, LA

Oak Hills Place, LA

Inniswold, LA

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews