Drug Testing Locations - Allentown, NJ

Drug Testing in Allentown, NJ

Allentown, New Jersey Statistics

In Allentown, Monmouth County, the rate of opioid overdoses has significantly increased, with emergency services responding to dozens of cases in the last year.

Monmouth County authorities reported an 18% rise in drug-related arrests over the past year, indicating a growing issue in towns like Allentown.

The Allentown area, nestled in Monmouth County, has seen a 15% increase in drug rehabilitation admissions, mainly for opioids.

Monmouth County's Allentown high schools have observed a nearly 10% rise in student drug violations over the past academic year.

According to Monmouth County health reports, drug-related deaths in Allentown have doubled over the past three years.

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 Allentown, NJ & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Allentown, NJ, are increasingly instituting drug testing policies to combat workplace substance abuse. Many businesses, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare, require pre-employment drug screenings as a part of their hiring process. Policies are often crafted in accordance with state guidelines provided by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Different companies may also implement random drug testing to maintain a safe and efficient working environment. Additionally, some employers in Allentown are offering employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide resources and support for staff who might be struggling with substance abuse issues. This step encourages a supportive culture while safeguarding workplace integrity and safety.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Allentown, NJ

The government of Allentown, NJ, along with Monmouth County, has initiated several programs to address the drug problem. The local government has partnered with New Jersey Department of Human Services to implement community outreach initiatives to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse. Additionally, Monmouth County authorities have enhanced funding for law enforcement training programs targeting drug trafficking networks.

State-level interventions include the expansion of treatment facilities through partnerships with organizations like New Jersey Department of Health. The state also supports pharmacies and clinics in Allentown and nearby areas to increase the availability of naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Local town hall meetings are also organized to provide information and resources to families affected by drug issues.

Local Drug Busts & News in Allentown, NJ

Recent drug busts in Allentown, NJ, have underscored the ongoing challenges facing the community in Monmouth County. Local law enforcement agencies conducted a significant operation last year that led to multiple arrests and the confiscation of illegal substances, reinforcing their commitment to curbing drug-related activities.

Events such as these often result in increased community awareness and drive further cooperation between residents and police to tackle drug distribution networks. Additionally, public information sessions following such incidents have enabled Allentown citizens to engage with local authorities and participate in discussions on how best to address the issue moving forward.

Occupational Health Services

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

New Jersey DOT/Non DOT Physicals

New Jersey Vision Tests

New Jersey Audiograms

New Jersey Respirator Fit Tests

New Jersey Lift Tests

New Jersey Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in NJ

Diabetes Testing in NJ

Infectious Disease Testing in NJ

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in NJ

Women/Men's Health Testing in NJ

Resources & Citations

Prevention Links

Association of Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey

NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - Addiction

Reach NJ

City of Angels NJ, Inc.

NJ Department of Health - Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

Drug Testing Near Allentown, NJ

Hornerstown, NJ

Mercerville-Hamilton Square, NJ

White Horse, NJ

Etra, NJ

Mercerville, NJ

Hamilton Square, NJ

Hamilton, NJ

Windsor, NJ

Cream Ridge, NJ

Yardville-Groveville, NJ

Yardville, NJ

Imlaystown, NJ

Crosswicks, NJ

Groveville, NJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews