Drug Testing Locations - Weddington, NC

Drug Testing in Weddington, NC

Weddington, North Carolina Statistics

In 2021, Union County, which includes Weddington, reported a 20% increase in drug-related arrests.

According to a 2020 survey, 15% of high school students in Weddington, Union County, admitted to using illicit drugs.

Union County's opioid overdose deaths rose by 5% in 2022 from the previous year, impacting communities like Weddington.

A 2020 report revealed that 12% of adults in Weddington, Union County, reported engaging in prescription drug misuse.

In Union County, there were 75 reported cases of drug-impaired driving in 2022, affecting towns like Weddington.

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 Weddington, NC & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Weddington, NC, often incorporate drug testing policies as part of their employment practices to ensure a safe and productive workplace. These policies, guided by state regulations and often using resources from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, are designed to uphold workplace safety and minimize the risks associated with substance abuse among employees.

Implementing drug testing policies may include pre-employment screenings, random testing, and testing in cases of workplace incidents. The aim is to promote a drug-free workplace environment while respecting employees' rights and privacy. In compliance with state law, Weddington businesses may adapt policies as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ensuring alignment with safety and health standards.

Companies in the area recognize the value of offering support programs for employees who may struggle with substance use, providing access to counseling and rehabilitation services. Initiatives such as these are vital for maintaining employee well-being and fostering a culture of support and responsibility in the workplace.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Weddington, NC

Government efforts to address drug problems in Weddington, NC, include initiatives at the local and state levels. The Union County Government has implemented various programs to raise awareness and provide resources to residents dealing with substance abuse issues. These efforts are complemented by state-level campaigns initiated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), focusing on prevention, treatment, and support for individuals struggling with addiction.

The local law enforcement agencies have also intensified their operations to curb drug-related activities in the area. The collaboration between the community, law enforcement, and health services is pivotal in creating an environment where individuals feel supported and have access to necessary intervention resources. Moreover, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety provides additional support in terms of implementing strategies for safer communities and reducing drug-related crimes.

Local Drug Busts & News in Weddington, NC

In recent months, local authorities in Weddington, NC, have intensified efforts to combat illegal drug activities. Several operations have led to significant arrests, furthering the town’s commitment to maintaining community safety.

A high-profile drug bust last month resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances, highlighting ongoing concerns about drug trafficking in the region.

Community initiatives focusing on drug awareness and prevention are being ramped up, with local schools participating in programs to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.

Occupational Health Services

Accredited Drug Testing offers fast, reliable employment screening services in Weddington, 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

NCDHHS Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services

NC Society of Addiction Medicine

Compass Center for Women and Families

Jurney's House Recovery

Public School Forum of North Carolina

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

Drink We Need to Talk

HopeWay Mental Health Treatment

Addiction Campuses North Carolina

Drug Testing Near Weddington, NC

Jaars, NC

Hemby Bridge, NC

Pineville, NC

Lake Park, NC

Matthews, NC

Waxhaw, NC

Indian Trail, NC

Stallings, NC

Wesley Chapel, NC

Marvin, NC

Providence, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews