Embodiments are directed to apparatuses, methods and systems for tracking usage of an item. In one scenario, a microcontroller is configured to send a periodic signal over electrical traces that are distributed over an item to determine whether a change in electrical throughput has occurred in a trace. Upon determining that such a change has occurred, an indication is generated that describes the type of usage that occurred and the time at which the use occurred. An indication of the type of usage and the time of occurrence is then provided to specified recipients. Apparatuses for tracking such usage include a battery, a microprocessor, a transmitter and capsules for storing the controlled substances. Each capsule has an electrical trace extending through at least some of the capsule. The microprocessor is configured to determine, using the electrical traces, which capsules have been opened by identifying which traces have been broken.
