Drug Testing Locations - West Pocomoke, MD

Drug Testing in West Pocomoke, MD

West Pocomoke, Maryland Statistics

In West Pocomoke, MD, Worcester County, opioid-related overdoses increased by 15% from 2020 to 2021.

Worcester County, home to West Pocomoke, reported a 12% increase in naloxone administrations by emergency services in 2021.

West Pocomoke, MD's Worcester County saw a 5% rise in prescription drug abuse cases in 2021.

In 2021, Worcester County, where West Pocomoke is located, had a 10% increase in substance abuse treatment admissions.

The Sheriff's Department of Worcester County reported a 20% rise in drug-related arrests in West Pocomoke, MD, in 2021.

Worcester County Health Department noted a 9% increase in substance use disorder diagnoses in West Pocomoke, MD, in 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 West Pocomoke, MD & Drug Testing Policies

In West Pocomoke, MD, employers have started implementing comprehensive drug testing policies to maintain workplace safety and productivity. These policies often include pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug screening to detect substance use and deter potential abuse. Adopting such measures has been critical in reducing the prevalence of drug problems within the workforce.

Many organizations follow guidelines from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA, which provides resources and support for creating a substance-free workplace. Employers hope to discourage substance abuse and promote a healthier work environment through clear policies and support mechanisms for employees struggling with addiction.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in West Pocomoke, MD

The government of West Pocomoke, MD, in Worcester County has undertaken various measures to combat the growing drug problem. Collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and health agencies focus on prevention, treatment, and education. The Worcester County Health Department Worcester County Health Department plays a significant role in creating awareness and providing resources for those affected by drug abuse.

State initiatives complement local efforts by offering funding and support to expand treatment facilities and resources. Maryland's Department of Health Maryland Department of Health is a crucial partner, assisting in implementing county-specific programs aimed at reducing substance abuse and its related consequences.

Local Drug Busts & News in West Pocomoke, MD

West Pocomoke, MD, has seen a series of drug-related events underscoring the severity of the local drug problem. In 2021, a significant drug bust led by the Worcester County Sheriff's Office uncovered a substantial cache of illegal narcotics, highlighting the persistent battle against drug trafficking in the area.

The frequent collaboration between local law enforcement and state agencies has resulted in periodic sting operations, targeting dealers and distributors to curb the flow of illicit drugs. Community engagement events have also been organized to educate residents on the dangers of drug use and help them recognize the signs of substance abuse in their neighborhoods.

Occupational Health Services

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

Maryland DOT/Non DOT Physicals

Maryland Vision Tests

Maryland Audiograms

Maryland Respirator Fit Tests

Maryland Lift Tests

Maryland Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in MD

Diabetes Testing in MD

Infectious Disease Testing in MD

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in MD

Women/Men's Health Testing in MD

Resources & Citations

Worcester County Health Department

Maryland Department of Health

SAMHSA

Maryland Behavioral Health Administration

Nar-Anon Family Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous

The Maryland DC Society of Addiction Medicine

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Drug Testing Near West Pocomoke, MD

Salisbury, MD

Dames Quarter, MD

Whitehaven, MD

Mount Vernon, MD

Fruitland, MD

Crisfield, MD

Lawsonia, MD

Allen, MD

Somerset, MD

Snow Hill, MD

Girdletree, MD

Fairmount, MD

Princess Anne, MD

Unionville, MD

Pocomoke City, MD

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews