Drug Testing Locations - Westwego, LA

Drug Testing in Westwego, LA

Westwego, Louisiana Statistics

In Westwego, Jefferson Parish, drug overdose deaths rose by 15% from 2019 to 2020.

A 2020 survey in Westwego reported that 12% of high school seniors had abused prescription drugs.

Westwego, Jefferson Parish, saw a 20% increase in opioid-related emergency room visits from 2018 to 2020.

Approximately 8% of residents in Westwego reported recreational methamphetamine use in 2021.

In 2021, law enforcement in Westwego, Jefferson Parish, confiscated over 50 pounds of cocaine.

Westwego observed a 25% increase in cannabis-related arrests between 2019 and 2021.

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 Westwego, LA & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Westwego, LA, are increasingly incorporating drug testing policies to maintain safe and efficient workplaces. These policies often align with federal guidelines outlined by agencies like the U.S. Department of Labor DOL. Regular drug testing is conducted, which aims to prevent on-the-job drug abuse incidents.

Local businesses also partner with the Jefferson Parish Substance Abuse Coalition to provide informational sessions aimed at educating employees about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. These sessions serve a dual purpose of deterrence and support, as employees are encouraged to seek help from resources like the Louisiana Behavioral Health Association before drug issues affect their work performance.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Westwego, LA

Westwego, LA, has seen significant efforts from both local and state governments to combat drug abuse. Jefferson Parish law enforcement agencies have increased their collaboration with state-run initiatives to tackle the opioid crisis effectively. The Louisiana Department of Health website provides detailed protocols on recognizing and treating drug overdoses, specifically in local communities like Westwego.

To address the underlying issues contributing to substance abuse, the parish collaborates with federal programs like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS, providing educational workshops and resources to families affected by drug addiction. These initiatives highlight the government's emphasis on preventive measures and community engagement.

Local Drug Busts & News in Westwego, LA

Law enforcement agencies in Westwego, LA, have recently intensified efforts to crack down on drug-related activities, which have been a growing concern for the local community. Coordinated raids have targeted hotspots known for illegal drug transactions, resulting in several high-profile arrests. These operations have disrupted trafficking networks and significantly reduced the availability of illicit substances on the streets.

Community engagement has become a significant part of addressing drug issues in Westwego. Local meetings and workshops have been organized to foster cooperation between residents and law enforcement. These initiatives aim to educate the public on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities, thereby enhancing preventive measures and creating a safer environment for all citizens.

Amid these enforcement actions, authorities in Westwego have also increased focus on rehabilitation and support for individuals struggling with addiction. Partnerships with health services provide access to treatment programs that offer a path to recovery. These holistic approaches not only aim to reduce recidivism but also strive to assist individuals in integrating back into the community productively.

Residents of Westwego have expressed mixed feelings regarding the drug bust operations. While many praise the decisive action taken by police, others raise concerns about potential negative impacts on neighborhoods and families. Continued dialogue between law enforcement and community leaders is vital to address these concerns effectively and to build trust and collaboration moving forward.

The local government is exploring additional funding avenues to sustain these anti-drug efforts. Grants and resources from state and federal agencies can bolster ongoing operations and support community-oriented programs. By ensuring adequate resources, Westwego aims to maintain momentum in the fight against drug-related activities and create long-lasting improvements in public safety.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Louisiana Department of Health - o-drug Resources

Louisiana State Government

Jefferson Parish Government

Louisiana Coalition Against Addiction

Jefferson Substance Abuse Rehabilitation

Addiction Center

Twilight Recovery Counseling Service

Walitat Health Network

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