Drug Testing Locations - University Park, NM

Drug Testing in University Park, NM

University Park, New Mexico Statistics

In Doña Ana County, University Park reports a 5% increase in drug-related arrests from 2020 to 2021.

University Park's opioid overdose rates have surged by 15% from 2019 to 2021, impacting local health services.

In Doña Ana County, youth drug abuse cases in University Park's high schools rose by 12% from 2020 to 2022.

University Park, NM saw a 20% rise in methamphetamine-related incidents between 2019 and 2022.

From 2018 to 2022, University Park has experienced a 25% increase in drug-related emergency room visits in Doña Ana County.

University Park reports a 10% reduction in drug abuse cases in rehabilitation centers in 2022, indicating progress in recovery efforts.

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 University Park, NM & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in University Park, NM are actively involved in implementing drug testing policies as a measure to maintain a safe and productive work environment. Many local businesses have adopted pre-employment drug screenings and random drug testing protocols for current employees. This initiative is in line with federal recommendations by the U.S. Department of Labor.

In addition to federal guidelines, state regulations in New Mexico also encourage employers to adopt comprehensive drug-free workplace programs. These programs often include employee education, assessment services, and clear consequences for violations. For more information, you can visit the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions website.

University Park employers are dedicated to supporting employees struggling with substance abuse by providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and collaborating with local rehabilitation centers. These efforts aim to support rehabilitation and recovery while maintaining workplace safety and productivity.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in University Park, NM

The government of University Park, NM, in conjunction with Doña Ana County, has launched several initiatives aimed at combatting drug abuse. These efforts include increased funding for local law enforcement to target drug trafficking and distribution networks. Additionally, the state government has partnered with local organizations to enhance education and prevention programs in schools. For more information, visit the Doña Ana County website.

The state of New Mexico has implemented statewide policies to address the opioid crisis, which include expanding access to treatment services and increasing the availability of overdose-reversing drugs. University Park benefits from these state efforts by receiving additional resources and support to tackle the local drug problem. To learn more about state efforts, visit the New Mexico Department of Health website.

Local Drug Busts & News in University Park, NM

Recently, University Park, NM, in collaboration with Doña Ana County law enforcement, conducted a significant drug bust operation that resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances, including methamphetamine and heroin. This operation led to the arrest of multiple individuals involved in trafficking.

Community-focused efforts in University Park have also resulted in drug take-back events that encourage residents to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications safely. These events aim to reduce the availability of potentially addictive drugs in households and prevent misuse.

Local police frequently report collaborative efforts with state authorities to track and dismantle drug distribution networks across New Mexico. These operations have a significant impact on reducing drug-related crime in University Park and the surrounding areas, improving public safety and community well-being.

Occupational Health Services

Accredited Drug Testing offers fast, reliable employment screening services in University Park, 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

Doña Ana County

New Mexico Department of Health

New Mexico Department of Transportation

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Nar-Anon Family Groups

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Recovery.org

Drug Rehabilitation Center Directory

Treatment Centers Directory

DrugAbuse.com

Drug Testing Near University Park, NM

Anthony, NM

Afton, NM

Radium Springs, NM

Chamberino, NM

White Sands, NM

Berino, NM

Organ, NM

Vado, NM

Dona Ana-Hill, NM

Mesquite, NM

Picacho, NM

Fairacres, NM

La Mesilla, NM

Mesilla, NM

Las Cruces, NM

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews