Drug Testing Locations - San Mar, MD

Drug Testing in San Mar, MD

San Mar, Maryland Statistics

In San Mar, Washington County, over 11% of individuals above 12 report illicit drug use, according to 2021 data.

Washington County in San Mar has seen a 25% increase in opioid-related overdoses since 2018.

According to 2020 reports, marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in San Mar, Washington County.

Substance abuse admissions in San Mar's Washington County hospitals increased by 15% between 2020 and 2021.

Fentanyl is involved in over 60% of overdose deaths reported in San Mar, Washington County in 2022.

Prescription drug abuse accounts for 29% of reported cases in San Mar, Washington County, as per 2019 statistics.

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 San Mar, MD & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in San Mar, MD, often implement comprehensive drug testing policies as part of their commitment to maintaining a safe and productive workplace. Many companies adhere to guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Labor, which offers resources for establishing drug-free work environments. Regulations may vary, but many organizations require pre-employment and random drug tests.

By implementing such policies, employers strive to deter substance abuse and mitigate its impact on workplace productivity. It's not uncommon for companies to also include employee assistance programs that provide support and resources for those struggling with addiction, helping them attain necessary rehabilitation and support.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in San Mar, MD

The government of San Mar, MD, has been actively engaging in the fight against drug abuse through various initiatives. The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration is a key player in providing resources and support to citizens struggling with addiction. Local authorities have also collaborated with state and federal agencies to increase funding for community programs aimed at prevention and rehabilitation.

Efforts include increased public awareness campaigns and partnerships with organizations such as the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center. These programs focus on education, prevention, and treatment strategies. The integration of community health initiatives aims to reduce the stigma surrounding substance abuse and create a supportive environment for recovery.

Local Drug Busts & News in San Mar, MD

San Mar, MD, has witnessed several significant drug-related events over recent years. In one noteworthy case, a large-scale operation in Washington County led to the arrest of multiple individuals suspected of drug trafficking. Coordinated efforts from local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration proved vital in this operation.

The crackdown on illegal substances has been rigorous, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to tackle the drug problem. Community events aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse frequently occur, focusing on educating the public and fostering a resilient community spirit.

Occupational Health Services

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Resources & Citations

Maryland Behavioral Health Administration

Maryland o-drug Operational Command Center

Drug Enforcement Administration

Health Maryland BHA

State of Maryland

U.S. Department of Labor

Maryland Community Services Locator

SAMHSA National Helpline

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