Drug Testing Locations - Mesquite, NM

Drug Testing in Mesquite, NM

Mesquite, New Mexico Statistics

In Mesquite, NM, located in Doña Ana County, opioid abuse cases have risen by 15% from the previous year.

The overdose rate in Mesquite, NM, is 25% higher than the national average, impacting Doña Ana County significantly.

Doña Ana County recorded a 20% increase in drug-related arrests in Mesquite, NM, over the last year.

Mesquite, NM, saw a 30% rise in methamphetamine abuse cases, highlighting growing substance concerns in Doña Ana County.

In 2022, approximately 5% of Mesquite's population in Doña Ana County sought treatment for substance abuse.

Doña Ana County's health services reported that 40% of patients in Mesquite, NM, were seeking help for drug addiction 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 Mesquite, NM & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Mesquite, NM, have recognized the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace, adopting comprehensive drug testing policies. These policies are designed to ensure the safety and productivity of employees.

Many businesses in Mesquite require pre-employment drug testing as well as random testing for current employees. Compliance is often aligned with federal guidelines provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Employers also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), helping workers access support for substance abuse issues. The importance of such programs is highlighted by resources from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Mesquite, NM

The City of Mesquite, part of Doña Ana County, has been actively collaborating with local and state agencies to combat drug issues. Initiatives like community outreach programs and addiction treatment centers have been established. For more information, visit the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services website.

Additionally, Mesquite has benefited from state-level support, including funding for anti-drug campaigns and law enforcement training to tackle illicit drug activities. The New Mexico Department of Health continues to play a critical role in these efforts.

Local Drug Busts & News in Mesquite, NM

Mesquite, NM, has been the site of several significant drug busts in recent years, greatly impacting the community of Doña Ana County. These events have underscored the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and abuse.

In 2022, local law enforcement, supported by state agencies, conducted a major operation that led to the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances. These efforts aim to dismantle drug networks operating within the county.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's regional office has been instrumental in coordinating these efforts, working closely with Mesquite's authorities. The impact of these actions continues to reverberate through the region.

Occupational Health Services

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

New Mexico DOT/Non DOT Physicals

New Mexico Vision Tests

New Mexico Audiograms

New Mexico Respirator Fit Tests

New Mexico Lift Tests

New Mexico Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in NM

Diabetes Testing in NM

Infectious Disease Testing in NM

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in NM

Women/Men's Health Testing in NM

Resources & Citations

Nor-Lea Hospital District

Santa Fe Recovery Center

Odyssey Recovery Services

Mesilla Valley Hospital

Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico

Presbyterian Medical Services

Valley Behavioral Health

The Recovery Village in New Mexico

Drug Testing Near Mesquite, NM

Afton, NM

Lanark, NM

South Dona Ana, NM

Picacho, NM

Fairacres, NM

Anthony, NM

Las Cruces, NM

La Mesilla, NM

Mesilla, NM

Chamberino, NM

University Park, NM

Berino, NM

Vado, NM

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews