Tracking Prescription Drug Abuse: Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) Initiative

Starting in 2012, the Poison Control Center began participating in the Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) initiative. RADARS is a nationwide study that uses data from six different U.S. poison control centers to monitor the opportunity, use, abuse and dependence phases of the drug dependence pathway.

The study captures trends of intentional abuse, unintentional misuse, and attempts of suicide involving highly addictive prescription drugs.

Unfortunately, our region, especially the Greater Philadelphia area, has not escaped the opioid epidemic that is sweeping our nation. Opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone continue to top the list. The Poison Control Center averages more than 10 calls per day about these products.

In addition to our RADARS activity, we have also been monitoring heroin exposures which unfortunately, continues to rise.