Perioperative care for drug abusers in the opioid crisis era

Background: Narcotic abuse and addiction have recently emerged as significant global issues. The consumption of dependence-inducing substances has become increasingly prevalent among younger generations in numerous countries, exacerbating the problem. Until 2015, South Korea had been relatively narcotic-free; however, this is no longer true. Consequently, encountering narcotic abusers in clinical settings, including operating rooms, is becoming more common. It is crucial to be prepared for these phenomena.Current Concepts: Research on managing narcotic abusers during the perioperative period remains insufficient. In 2023, the American Society of Regional Anesthesiologists and Pain Medicine published guidelines for the perioperative management of cannabinoid users. The decision to discontinue or continue medical cannabinoids before surgery remains uncertain. When managing patients with short- or long-term exposure to cannabinoids, anesthetic requirements tend to decrease in cases of acute intoxication and increase among long-term users. Therefore, the duration from the last use should be considered when adjusting the anesthetic dose.Discussion and Conclusion: Punishment is not a viable solution in a reality where narcotic abuse is increasingly common. Preventing addiction in individuals and supporting addicts’ treatment and rehabilitation is essential. There is an urgent need for interest and research focused on narcotic abuse.