Illicit drugs and anesthesia

Substance abuse is the nation's number one health problem. With illicit drug use so prevalent, the anesthesia care team undoubtedly sees more people under the influence of illicit drugs. Cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are the drugs that are commonly used. Cocaine acts as an intense stimulant, heroin has profound sedative effects, and marijuana may cause various respiratory problems. Many times when drug users present for anesthesia, they will not admit to using illicit drugs, leaving the anesthetist to treat complications intraoperatively. This article discusses the history, street practices, pharmacodynamics, and anesthetic management of people using cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. This knowledge of how to treat patients abusing drugs will undoubtedly improve anesthetic outcomes. There are many illicit drugs used by people that anesthetists do not see frequently in the care of their patients, but the anesthetist should be aware of the common street drugs in use.