The Abuse of Agents Used to Induce or Maintain General Anesthesia: Intravenous Hypnotics and the Halogenated Hydrocarbons

The agents used to induce or maintain general anesthesia have been shown time and time again, in multiple studies involving both humans and animals, to carry considerable abuse liability. These drugs are capable of producing pleasurable sensations and altering consciousness in a manner that some find pleasing. They have a demonstrated ability to reinforce drug-taking behaviors, can produce tolerance, and many are associated with the development of a withdrawal syndrome, yet these drugs are not very well controlled. Many are not scheduled by the DEA and those that are been given the least restrictive schedule IV status. These drugs are almost universally available in unsecured hospital supply rooms or anesthesia carts and few facilities keep specific usage records.