UMD Researchers Providing Better Tools for Better ER Overdose Outcomes Share Article The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR) at the University of Maryland has been at the forefront of the national opioid use disorder crisis since the early days of increases in heroin—and then prescription opioids, and now synthetic opioids (fentanyl). Led by director Dr. Eric Wish, CESAR advises policymakers, doctors, nurses, hospitals and treatment centers about opioid trends, treatments, and resources. “EDDS fills a vital need for current information on drug-related emergency department visits, and will enable timely surveillance of the ongoing opioid crisis and the identification of newly emerging drugs,” Dr. Eric Wish said.