Sharing Your Drug History with Us

It’s really important for your anaesthetist to have a complete picture of your health history, including any drugs you’ve used in the past. This helps us ensure your anaesthetic is as safe as possible.

Sometimes, people use drugs that aren’t prescribed by a doctor, sometimes called “street drugs” or “recreational drugs.” These can affect how your body reacts to anaesthesia.

For example, drugs like cocaine and ecstasy can speed up your nervous system. This can cause your heart to beat faster and your blood pressure to fluctuate, which can be risky during and after surgery. Other drugs, like heroin, can cause hallucinations, and sometimes those hallucinations can continue even after you’re awake.

We understand that talking about drug use can be difficult, and we want to assure you that we’re here to help, not to judge. Sharing this information allows us to plan the safest possible anaesthetic for you.

As a general guideline, it’s usually best to avoid using any of these types of drugs for at least a week before your anaesthetic and operation. We’ll discuss this further with you during your consultation and can offer support and advice if needed.