Drug Testing Locations - Whittier, NC

Drug Testing in Whittier, NC

Whittier, North Carolina Statistics

In Whittier, NC, the opioid overdose rate has increased by 25% over the past 5 years.

Whittier, NC, in Swain County, reports that 35% of its drug arrests are related to methamphetamine.

A survey in Whittier, NC, showed that 15% of residents know someone who abuses prescription drugs.

Substance abuse-related crimes in Whittier, NC account for 40% of all criminal activity.

Whittier, NC's Swain County has seen a 10% rise in drug-related emergency room visits.

There are approximately 50 cases of drug abuse-related accidents reported monthly in Whittier, NC.

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 Whittier, NC & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Whittier, NC, understand the impact of drug abuse on workplace productivity and safety. Many companies have implemented stringent drug testing policies to ensure a drug-free environment. Regular drug screenings are a common practice, often conducted as part of the hiring process or randomly for current employees.

Some local businesses collaborate with organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to create effective workplace policies. These policies focus on prevention, support, and ensuring employees have access to necessary treatment programs if needed.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Whittier, NC

The government has initiated various efforts to tackle the drug problems in Whittier, NC. State and local agencies, such as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, work collaboratively to provide resources and programs aimed at prevention and treatment.

Initiatives include educational campaigns about the dangers of drug abuse and the availability of addiction treatment services. Law enforcement agencies in Swain County, where Whittier is located, conduct targeted operations to curb drug distribution and misuse. They also engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness.

Local Drug Busts & News in Whittier, NC

Local law enforcement agencies in Whittier, NC, have reported several drug busts in the past year. These operations often target methamphetamine distribution networks, which are prevalent in the Swain County area. The coordination between local and state agencies has been crucial in these efforts.

Community events aimed at raising awareness and preventing drug abuse are held frequently in Whittier. These events often include talks from specialists, testimonials from recovered addicts, and information on where to seek help. They play a vital role in educating the public and reducing the stigma associated with addiction.

Occupational Health Services

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

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

My Rehab Center Whittier

DrugRehab.com

NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Recovery.org

CDC Drug Overdose

National Institute on Drug Abuse

Caron Atlanta

Drug Testing Near Whittier, NC

Waynesville, NC

Hazelwood, NC

Macon, NC

Maggie Valley, NC

Jackson, NC

Balsam, NC

Cullowhee, NC

Almond, NC

Addie, NC

Webster, NC

Lauada, NC

Sylva, NC

Dillsboro, NC

Alarka, NC

Bryson City, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews