Drug Testing Locations - New London, NH

Drug Testing in New London, NH

New London, New Hampshire Statistics

In New London, Merrimack County, 15% of high school students reported using illicit drugs in the past year.

Merrimack County, including New London, saw a 20% increase in opioid-related overdoses in 2021.

New London reported 25 drug offenses per 10,000 residents in 2022, according to local police data.

In 2023, New London, Merrimack County, had 10% of adults admitting to misuse of prescription medications.

Substance abuse treatment admissions in Merrimack County increased by 8% in 2022.

New London, part of Merrimack County, had 12 opioid overdose fatalities in the last reported year.

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 New London, NH & Drug Testing Policies

In New London, NH, employers adhere to state laws regarding drug testing, which can include pre-employment and random testing. Employers may follow guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Labor.

Local businesses often implement drug-free workplace policies to maintain a safe and productive environment. These policies may include employee education programs, and some companies may offer support for employees seeking treatment.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in New London, NH

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services plays a key role in addressing drug issues in New London, NH. State initiatives focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery support. NH has increased funding for drug abuse prevention and treatment programs.

The Merrimack County authorities collaborate with local entities to conduct awareness programs and workshops. These efforts aim to educate residents about the dangers of drug misuse and provide guidance on accessing resources for those in need.

Local Drug Busts & News in New London, NH

Recent drug-related events in New London, NH, highlight the ongoing challenges the community faces. The Merrimack County Sheriff's Office reported a major drug bust in 2023 that led to significant arrests, disrupting a local distribution network.

Community meetings focusing on drug prevention and education are regularly held, fostering dialogue among residents, law enforcement, and healthcare providers. These initiatives aim to reduce drug-related incidents and improve public safety.

Occupational Health Services

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

New Hampshire DOT/Non DOT Physicals

New Hampshire Vision Tests

New Hampshire Audiograms

New Hampshire Respirator Fit Tests

New Hampshire Lift Tests

New Hampshire Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in NH

Diabetes Testing in NH

Infectious Disease Testing in NH

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in NH

Women/Men's Health Testing in NH

Resources & Citations

New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association

NH Department of Health and Human Services

NH Center for AIDS and Substance Abuse Services

211 NH

Granite Pathways

Easterseals New Hampshire

Ammonoosuc Community Health Services

NH Alliance of Recovery Residences

Better Beginnings Head Start & Child Care Services

Connecticut River Valley Substance Abuse Council

Drug Testing Near New London, NH

Lebanon, NH

Plainfield, NH

Contoocook, NH

Claremont, NH

Henniker, NH

Enfield, NH

Bristol, NH

Franklin, NH

Canaan, NH

Warner, NH

Newport, NH

Bradford, NH

Georges Mills, NH

North Sutton, NH

Blodgett Landing, NH

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews