Drug Testing Locations - North Arlington, NJ

Drug Testing in North Arlington, NJ

North Arlington, New Jersey Statistics

In 2021, Bergen County, home to North Arlington, NJ, reported over 1,000 drug overdose deaths.

Bergen County saw a 15% increase in opioid-related hospital visits in 2022.

The rate of admissions to substance abuse treatment facilities rose by 20% in North Arlington, NJ in 2023.

In recent years, Bergen County has consistently ranked in the top five counties in NJ for heroin-related deaths.

Fentanyl was responsible for more than 70% of opioid-related fatalities in Bergen County in 2022.

Bergen County's drug-related arrests increased by 10% between 2021 and 2022.

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 North Arlington, NJ & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in North Arlington, NJ, actively implement drug testing policies to maintain a safe and efficient workplace. Pre-employment drug screenings are common practice, ensuring new hires meet company standards. Employees may also undergo random testing or testing for reasonable suspicion of drug use.

Assistance programs are in place for employees struggling with substance abuse. Employers often collaborate with resources provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to offer support. By promoting a drug-free workplace culture, businesses in North Arlington aim to curb drug abuse both within and outside work settings.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in North Arlington, NJ

The government of North Arlington, NJ, partners with various agencies to tackle drug problems. Initiatives like D.A.R.E. focus on education and prevention among youth, aiming to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse. The New Jersey Department of Human Services oversees substance use disorder treatment programs, providing support and resources to communities in Bergen County.

Programs such as the Office of the Attorney General’s Opioid Response work to reduce drug-related crimes and support recovering addicts. Local law enforcement agencies receive training to better handle drug-related cases, ensuring a comprehensive approach to combatting drug issues in North Arlington.

Local Drug Busts & News in North Arlington, NJ

In North Arlington, NJ, law enforcement officials have recently intensified their efforts to tackle drug-related activities. A high-profile drug bust in the town resulted in several arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics. This operation was part of a broader initiative aimed at curbing the growing drug problems in the region, emphasizing the community's commitment to combatting illegal drug trade.

Community members in North Arlington have voiced their support for ongoing efforts to reduce drug-related incidents. Recent forums have provided a platform for residents to engage with local authorities, discussing strategies to prevent drug abuse and promote public safety. These efforts reflect the town’s dedication to fostering a safer and healthier environment for its residents.

The North Arlington Police Department has been working closely with neighboring towns to address the interconnected nature of drug activities. Joint task forces have been established to share intelligence and resources. These collaborations have played a crucial role in identifying and dismantling drug networks that extend beyond North Arlington, demonstrating the importance of regional cooperation in fighting drug-related crime.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

NJ Department of Health - o-drug Program

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

NJ Connect for Recovery

Bergen County Substance Use Prevention

Prevention Links

Center for Prevention & Counseling

Bergen County Community Action Partnership

CBH Care

NJ Coalition for Families and Children

NCADD New Jersey

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