Drug Testing Locations - Greenville, SC

Drug Testing in Greenville, SC

Greenville, South Carolina Statistics

Greenville, SC, saw a 15% increase in opioid overdoses in 2022, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.

In 2021, Greenville County reported 80 opioid-related deaths, marking a significant rise from previous years.

A 2022 study found that 1 in 10 Greenville County high school students self-reported illicit drug use.

The Greenville Health System noted a 25% increase in emergency room visits due to drug-related incidents in 2021.

Greenville County law enforcement seized over 500 pounds of illegal drugs in 2022, a record for the area.

A survey by the Greenville Homeless Alliance in 2021 indicated that 30% of the homeless population struggles with substance abuse.

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 Greenville, SC & Drug Testing Policies

Employers in Greenville, SC, are increasingly implementing stringent drug testing policies as part of their commitment to maintaining a safe workplace. Many companies conduct pre-employment drug screenings and random tests, which are supported by guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Such measures aim to reduce workplace accidents and enhance productivity.

The increasing focus on comprehensive wellness programs has led several businesses to incorporate educational sessions about substance abuse and available support systems. These programs often collaborate with local health departments and rehabilitation centers to provide employees with the necessary resources and counseling services, ensuring a supportive work environment that prioritizes health and wellness.

Government Efforts with Drug Problems in Greenville, SC

The government of Greenville, SC, is actively working to address the drug problem in the region through various initiatives. The Greenville County Coalition for Drug Prevention collaborates with community organizations to run awareness campaigns and educational programs. Additionally, South Carolina Emergency Management Division plays a pivotal role in coordinating state-wide drug prevention efforts.

The city also benefits from federal support through grants aimed at combatting the opioid crisis, as facilitated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Law enforcement agencies are provided with training and resources to efficiently tackle drug trafficking and addiction issues, thereby strengthening the community’s resilience against substance abuse.

Local Drug Busts & News in Greenville, SC

In recent months, Greenville, SC, has witnessed a series of significant drug busts that have highlighted the community's ongoing battle against narcotics. Law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial amounts of illegal substances, including methamphetamine and heroin. This proactive stance by local authorities aims to curb the growing drug issues.

One notable event occurred when a joint operation between the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and federal agencies led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking ring. The operation, which involved undercover surveillance and coordinated raids, resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the confiscation of drugs valued at thousands of dollars. This bust showcased the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts.

Community leaders in Greenville have also been actively involved in addressing the drug crisis. Awareness campaigns and educational programs have been launched to inform residents about the dangers of drug use and to promote healthier, substance-free lifestyles. These initiatives aim to reduce demand and provide support to those struggling with addiction, contributing to a more resilient community.

The impacts of these drug-related events on Greenville's neighborhoods have been significant. Residents have reported a sense of increased safety and security following the recent busts. Efforts to engage local youth in extracurricular activities as a preventative measure against drug use have been lauded as essential steps in fostering a secure and drug-free environment in the city.

Occupational Health Services

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Resources & Citations

Phoenix Center

SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services

Favor Greenville

Greenville County Coroner's Office

Jasmine Road

Greenville Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous

United Way of Greenville County

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services of Greater SC

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