Drug Testing Locations - Jackson, NC

Drug Testing in Jackson, NC

Jackson, North Carolina Statistics

In Jackson, Northampton County, opioid overdoses increased by 12% last year.

Methamphetamine-related arrests in Jackson, Northampton County, rose by 8% in 2021.

Naloxone administrations in Jackson, Northampton County, were up by 15% in 2022.

Jackson, Northampton County, saw a 6% increase in drug-related ER visits in 2022.

Jackson, Northampton County, reported a 9% rise in heroin seizures in 2021.

The drug-related crime rate in Jackson, Northampton County, increased by 5% in 2021.

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 Jackson, NC & Drug Testing Policies

Several employers in Jackson, NC, have implemented strict drug testing policies to ensure a safe and drug-free work environment. Local companies often adhere to guidelines provided by the North Carolina Department of Labor NC Labor, which encourages regular and random drug testing.

Many businesses in the area, especially in sectors like healthcare and transportation, enforce zero-tolerance policies, conducting pre-employment and random tests. This approach aligns with federal regulations and is aimed at mitigating risks associated with substance abuse in the workplace.

Employers also provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support employees dealing with substance abuse issues. These initiatives highlight a commitment to maintaining a productive workforce while offering support and resources for rehabilitation.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Jackson, NC

The government in Jackson, NC, has made several efforts to tackle drug problems, focusing on prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services NC DHHS provides resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery. Grants have been allocated for local community awareness programs to combat opioid addiction.

The town collaborates with federal initiatives through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA to expand treatment services. Law enforcement agencies participate in task forces aimed at reducing drug trafficking. Community coalitions are active, promoting educational campaigns among youth and adults.

Local Drug Busts & News in Jackson, NC

Jackson, NC, has witnessed several significant drug busts, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities. In 2022, local police, in collaboration with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department, conducted a high-profile raid that resulted in numerous arrests and the seizure of significant quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.

Another major operation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking ring operating in Jackson, signaling strong enforcement measures. These efforts are part of broader regional initiatives to address proliferation of narcotics, with support from state and federal agencies.

Community events and forums are regularly held to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. These events often feature speakers from law enforcement and health services, aimed at educating the public and proposing collective solutions to decrease the local impact of drug-related activities.

Occupational Health Services

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

North Carolina DOT/Non DOT Physicals

North Carolina Vision Tests

North Carolina Audiograms

North Carolina Respirator Fit Tests

North Carolina Lift Tests

North Carolina Background Checks

Clinical Testing Services

TB Testing in NC

Diabetes Testing in NC

Infectious Disease Testing in NC

Sickle Cell Anemia Testing in NC

Women/Men's Health Testing in NC

Resources & Citations

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

North Carolina Health News

North Carolina Board of Pharmacy

National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare

Recovery Communities of North Carolina

North Carolina Department of Public Safety

Drug Free NC

NC Center of Excellence for Integrated Care

Drug Testing Near Jackson, NC

Lake Junaluska, NC

Highlands, NC

Whittier, NC

Lake Toxaway, NC

Maggie Valley, NC

Waynesville, NC

Hazelwood, NC

Cashiers, NC

Balsam, NC

Dillsboro, NC

Glenville, NC

Addie, NC

Sylva, NC

Webster, NC

Cullowhee, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews