Drug Testing Locations - Bedford, NY

Drug Testing in Bedford, NY

Bedford, New York Statistics

In 2022, Bedford, Westchester County, saw a 20% increase in opioid-related overdoses.

Bedford Police Department reported 50 arrests related to drug offenses in 2021.

In a 2021 survey, 8% of Bedford high school students admitted to misusing prescription drugs.

Westchester County's drug rehab centers saw a 15% rise in admissions from Bedford in 2022.

Fentanyl detected in 60% of drug overdose deaths in Bedford, Westchester County in 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 Bedford, NY & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Bedford, NY, recognize the importance of maintaining drug-free workplaces. Many have implemented stringent drug-testing policies, in line with the guidance from the [U.S. Department of Labor's Drug-Free Workplace Program](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/drug-free-workplace) to ensure safety and productivity in the workplace. Some employers conduct pre-employment screenings and random checks to deter drug use.

Regular workplace training sessions are provided by organizations to educate employees about the dangers of substance abuse. Privacy and support are emphasized, with access to resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offering confidential support and rehabilitation services to those needing assistance. Employers strive to maintain a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help.

Regularly reviewing and updating policies is a common practice among Bedford employers. They consult with legal experts and industry-specific guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. Through these efforts, businesses are helping to curb the local drug epidemic while fostering a safe working environment for all employees.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Bedford, NY

The government in Bedford, NY is actively working to address drug problems through various initiatives. For example, [Westchester County Health Department](https://health.westchestergov.com/mental-health) is increasing public health campaigns around opioid abuse and promoting rehabilitation services SAMHSA's National Helpline provides essential support. Bedford's local officials are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure a more comprehensive approach to tackling the issue at its source.

Raising awareness about drug abuse prevention remains a priority. Through partnerships with New York State's Heroin and Opioid Abuse Prevention programs, Bedford is working to reduce the availability of illegal drugs. Increased funding for these initiatives is empowering local organizations to implement effective strategies and engaging community members to combat the epidemic.

Local Drug Busts & News in Bedford, NY

Law enforcement in Bedford, NY, has been active in addressing drug-related issues. In a significant operation in 2022, the Bedford Police Department arrested 15 individuals as part of a large-scale drug bust. This collaborative effort with Westchester County's task force dismantled a local drug distribution network, seizing large quantities of narcotics and firearms.

Community events aimed at raising awareness and education have been on the rise. Schools and local organizations frequently host drug awareness seminars and workshops to educate residents on the signs of drug abuse and prevention strategies. These events often feature guest speakers from law enforcement and healthcare to discuss the latest trends and preventive measures.

Bedford's community support groups have increased their activities, offering frequent meetings for individuals and families affected by drug addiction. By providing a safe space for open dialogue, these groups are instrumental in fostering recovery and solidarity amongst residents.

Occupational Health Services

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Resources & Citations

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports

Drug Rehab New York

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Westchester County Department of Health

New York State's Heroin and o-drug Abuse Prevention

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

CDC Drug Overdose Deaths

Phoenix House New York

Care Center for Behavioral Health

Oasis Children Services

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