Drug Testing Locations - Amherst, NH

Drug Testing in Amherst, NH

Amherst, New Hampshire Statistics

In 2022, Amherst, Hillsborough County, reported a 10% increase in opioid overdoses.

Hillsborough County's drug-related hospitalization rate in 2023 was 82 per 100,000 people.

Amherst, NH saw a 15% decrease in teen drug use in 2022 according to local health data.

In 2023, Hillsborough County had 140 cases of substance abuse treatment admissions.

Fentanyl was involved in 60% of drug-related deaths in Hillsborough County in 2022.

Amherst, NH reported a 5% increase in the misuse of prescription drugs in 2023.

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 Amherst, NH & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Amherst, NH, have been proactive in implementing drug testing policies to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Many businesses comply with guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor, conducting pre-employment screenings and random drug tests.

Such practices not only enhance workplace safety but also deter substance abuse among employees. Companies often provide access to support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), offering counseling and rehabilitation services for those who struggle with substance issues, contributing to community-wide efforts to combat drug abuse.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Amherst, NH

The government of Amherst, NH, in collaboration with Hillsborough County, has ramped up efforts to tackle drug issues through comprehensive programs. Initiatives like the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services offer support and treatment programs tailored to the community's needs.

State-level reforms encourage stakeholders in Amherst to work with organizations such as the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, focusing on safety and preventive measures against drug abuse. Collaboration with federal resources enhances the operational impact of these local initiatives.

Local Drug Busts & News in Amherst, NH

In recent months, law enforcement in Amherst, NH has intensified efforts to tackle the ongoing issue of illegal drug activities. Collaboration with regional task forces has led to numerous local drug busts. These operations highlight the community's commitment to addressing substance abuse and keeping neighborhoods safe from the influence of narcotics.

Through community outreach and diligent policing, Amherst has initiated several programs aimed at education and prevention of drug misuse. These proactive measures are part of a broader strategy to combat the drug problem that affects many communities. By focusing on prevention and rehabilitation, authorities hope to create a sustainable path forward.

Amherst has also seen an uptick in collaboration between law enforcement and local organizations that focus on rehabilitation. This partnership aims to provide alternative solutions for individuals who have been affected by drug use. By offering resources such as counseling and support groups, Amherst is fostering an environment of recovery and resilience.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Recovery Centers of America

NH State Government

NH Drug Helpline

Hampstead Hospital

Department of Health and Human Services NH

NAMI New Hampshire

NH Teen Institute

Winchester Hospital Health Library

Families First Health & Support Center

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