Investigation of temporal changes of abuse and misuse of prescription opioids

We analyzed intentional exposures to prescription opioids (buprenorphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, methadone and Oxycodone) using the Research Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance System (RADARS) Poison Center data over a 5 year period 2003-2007 to see if there were temporal trends in the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs associated with (1) weekends vs. weekdays and (2) during select holiday periods vs. non-holiday periods. Over the study period 25 of 120 holiday period days showed a decrease of at least 1 SD from the mean and 9 of 120 holiday period days showed an increase of at least 1 SD from the mean. Over the study period there were 144,653 intentional exposures. Mean percent of cases by day of week ranged from 14.03% to 14.39%, with slightly higher use on weekend days. There was no significant difference when evaluating prevalence of intentional exposures by day of week (p = 0.99). There was no significant difference when evaluating weekend versus weekday (p > 0.05). In summary, the prevalence of abuse and misuse of prescription drugs was not impacted by day of the week or difference between weekday and weekend. The impact of 8 traditional holidays appeared to be associated with a minor decrease in abuse and misuse of prescription drugs. No temporally related increase in abuse and misuse of prescription drugs was noted and conversely a trend toward decreased abuse and misuse of prescription drugs was suggested.