Drug Testing Locations - Fort Drum, NY

Drug Testing in Fort Drum, NY

Fort Drum, New York Statistics

Approximately 8% of adults in Fort Drum, Jefferson County reported past-month illicit drug use.

Jefferson County saw a 12% increase in drug-related hospitalizations in the last five years.

In 2021, opioid overdose deaths in Jefferson County accounted for 18 fatalities.

Around 15% of high school students in Fort Drum reported using marijuana.

Prescription opioid use in Jefferson County has declined by 20% since 2015.

The rate of heroin use in Fort Drum is currently estimated at 3%, according to local health surveys.

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 Fort Drum, NY & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Fort Drum value a drug-free workplace and adhere to policies that include pre-employment and random drug testing to ensure safety. The guidance on these practices often follows federal standards outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Employers also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to aid employees struggling with substance abuse. Larger employers align with the U.S. Department of Labor standards to maintain workplace safety and employee health responsibly.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Fort Drum, NY

The New York State government has implemented various initiatives to combat drug abuse in Fort Drum, Jefferson County. These include enhanced funding for rehabilitation facilities and support for community-based prevention programs. Detailed information can be found at New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Local efforts in Jefferson County include collaboration between law enforcement and health services to facilitate drug take-back programs and raise awareness about substance use. More insights into state-level strategies can be accessed through the New York State Department of Health.

Local Drug Busts & News in Fort Drum, NY

Fort Drum, NY has seen increased attention from local law enforcement due to a series of drug busts aimed at curbing illegal substance distribution. Recent operations have focused on dismantling networks that supply opioids and other harmful drugs. Collaborative efforts between military police and civilian agencies have been instrumental in these initiatives, ensuring safer communities for both military personnel and civilians in the region.

In one notable event, a coordinated raid led to the arrest of multiple individuals suspected of distributing methamphetamine in Fort Drum and surrounding areas. This operation highlighted the ongoing issue of meth-related activities, prompting authorities to reinforce surveillance and intelligence efforts. Community outreach programs have also been implemented to raise awareness and offer resources to those affected by addiction.

Authorities in Fort Drum have emphasized the importance of public involvement in reporting suspicious activities. Anonymous tip lines have been set up, allowing residents to contribute to ongoing investigations without fear of reprisal. This partnership between the community and law enforcement is crucial in maintaining vigilance against drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of Fort Drum and its neighboring areas.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

NY Office of Addiction Services

Addiction Center NY

NY Health Department

SAMHSA

NYC Mental Health Clinics

National Rehab Hotline

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Center

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