Drug Testing Locations - Lowell, NC

Drug Testing in Lowell, NC

Lowell, North Carolina Statistics

In 2022, Gaston County reported over 300 cases of opioid overdose, impacting communities including Lowell, NC.

Lowell, NC saw a 15% increase in drug-related emergency room visits in Gaston County last year.

Gaston County reported that 65% of arrests in Lowell, NC were drug-related in the past year.

In Lowell, NC, 45% of drug rehab program enrollments were attributed to opioid addiction, according to Gaston County data.

Gaston County officials noted a 10% rise in drug trafficking cases impacting Lowell, NC in the last quarter of 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 Lowell, NC & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Lowell, NC have implemented drug testing policies as a crucial aspect of maintaining safe and productive workplaces. Many businesses follow the guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for drug-free work environments.

The state's Department of Commerce provides resources for employers, including training and support in developing comprehensive drug testing routines. These efforts help in reducing workplace accidents and ensuring employee well-being in Lowell, NC.

Some local employers collaborate with North Carolina Workforce Development Boards to offer rehabilitation support to affected employees, promoting recovery and reducing the impact of substance abuse in the workplace.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Lowell, NC

Government efforts in Lowell, NC are addressing drug problems through various initiatives. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services works closely with local agencies to provide rehabilitation and prevention programs. Additionally, Gaston County's local government implements community outreach efforts to raise awareness and offer support.

State and local police, found through the Gaston County Police Department, collaborate on operations to reduce drug trafficking in Lowell, NC. Grants from the federal government enable these departments to enhance enforcement and community safety, aiming to decrease drug-related crimes and addiction.

Local Drug Busts & News in Lowell, NC

Recent drug busts in Lowell, NC have highlighted ongoing issues with illegal substances in the community. Local law enforcement, including the Gaston County Police Department, has conducted several operations targeting drug trafficking networks.

In early 2023, a significant operation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illicit substances, disrupting a major supply chain impacting Lowell, NC. These actions demonstrate the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the drug crisis locally.

Community events, such as awareness rallies organized by local advocacy groups, aim to educate residents about the dangers of drug abuse. These efforts are supported by partnerships with organizations like the North Carolina Alliance for Drug Prevention, fostering a safer environment in Lowell, NC.

Occupational Health Services

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

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Resources & Citations

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Gaston County Police

North Carolina Department of Justice

Drug Rehab North Carolina

NC Prevention Network

NC Department of Alcohol and Drug

NC Substance Abuse Services

NC Alliance for Drug Prevention

NC Substance Use Disorders

NC Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency

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