Drug Testing Locations - Pennsauken, NJ

Drug Testing in Pennsauken, NJ

Pennsauken, New Jersey Statistics

In 2021, Pennsauken, located in Camden County, NJ, reported a 13% increase in drug-related hospital admissions.

Surveys indicate that in 2020, approximately 15% of Pennsauken residents in Camden County abused prescription drugs.

Camden County, where Pennsauken is situated, recorded over 400 drug overdose deaths in 2020.

Pennsauken law enforcement reported a 20% increase in arrests related to opioid use in 2021.

In 2019, Camden County saw a 25% rise in naloxone administrations, with a significant number in Pennsauken.

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 Pennsauken, NJ & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Pennsauken, NJ, are increasingly adopting stringent drug testing policies to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Many local businesses are required to adhere to drug-free workplace mandates, ensuring their workforce remains unaffected by substance abuse.

In compliance with state law, some employers may implement pre-employment drug screenings and routine testing. This is particularly prevalent in industries where safety is paramount, such as transportation and construction. Further details can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor site.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Pennsauken, NJ

The government of Pennsauken, NJ, alongside Camden County authorities, is making concerted efforts to tackle drug abuse. Initiatives such as community outreach programs and increased funding for rehabilitation centers have been launched to mitigate the problem. For more resources, visit the New Jersey Department of Human Services website.

State-level support has been critical too, with the New Jersey Governor's office rolling out plans to expand access to mental health services and addiction treatment facilities. This includes collaborating with local governments to streamline efforts. Learn more at New Jersey Treasury.

Local Drug Busts & News in Pennsauken, NJ

In recent months, law enforcement in Pennsauken, NJ, has intensified efforts to combat local drug trafficking. The police department has been collaborating with nearby agencies to conduct thorough investigations leading to the arrests of individuals involved in distributing illegal substances. These collaborative operations have resulted in the confiscation of significant quantities of narcotics, contributing to a safer community.

During one major bust, authorities disrupted a drug ring that had been operating across various neighborhoods. The operation yielded several arrests and the seizure of both drugs and illegal firearms. This crackdown has been part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the rise in opioid misuse in the area, with public awareness campaigns also being implemented to support prevention efforts.

Community engagement remains a core tactic in reducing drug-related incidences in Pennsauken. Local organizations have been working alongside law enforcement to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support for individuals battling addiction. These programs highlight the town's commitment to tackling the drug problem from all angles, promoting rehabilitation as well as enforcement.

In parallel with these efforts, Pennsauken has hosted town hall meetings to keep residents informed about ongoing drug-related challenges and successes. These forums provide a platform for law enforcement officers, community leaders, and citizens to discuss strategies and share insightful experiences, fostering a cooperative environment aimed at sustaining progress in reducing drug activity within the town.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

Camden County Addiction Services

NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services

South Jersey Prevention Network

Prevention Plus of Burlington County

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - NJ

Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse, NJ

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Caron Treatment Centers, NJ Regional Office

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