Online Drug Markets and Implications for Addiction Medicine: A Narrative Literature Review

This narrative review examines the evolving landscape of online drug markets, focusing on darknet markets for illegal drugs and their implications for addiction medicine. We provide an overview of the development and current state of these markets, highlighting key features of their operation and the demographics of users. Finally, we address the implications for addiction medicine clinicians, including the need for adapted prevention efforts, new approaches to intervention and relapse prevention, and the potential for leveraging digital platforms in treatment. This review aims to equip addiction medicine professionals with the knowledge needed to navigate the challenges posed by online drug markets and to enhance their ability to provide effective care in this changing environment.