Authorities are wary as the designer drug “krokodil” appears on American streets. TIME magazine calls the Russian drug krokodil “the most horrifying drug in the world.” Its name comes from the gangrenous scales that appear on the skin of krokodil users – before the skin begins to decay. It’s more addictive than heroin and can cause necrosis, skin cell decay, and can even make your bones dissolve. To better understand the dangers of and prevalence of krokodil in America, the experts at our drug rehab in Palm Beach County are diving in.
Where Is Krokodil Obtained?
The krokodil drug was originally cooked up in Russia in the early 2000s as a cheap alternative to heroin. Krokodil (pronounced “crocodile”) is an opioid drug and desomorphine, which is an injective derivative of morphine. Desomorphine is synthetic morphine that was originally patented in the US in the 1930s. It is about 10 times more powerful than morphine and acts very quickly within the body.
Krokodil works like other opioids by attaching itself to opioid receptors in the brain, disrupting communication between neurons. The factor that makes krokodil so addictive is the increase in dopamine levels it causes.
Dopamine is a chemical that’s released by the brain when we do something we enjoy. Krokodil causes a dopamine spike, producing feelings of euphoria and pleasure. These side effects are what make krokodil so addictive.
Some common krokodil drug ingredients include:
- Codeine
- Gasoline
- Household chemicals and cleaners
- Hydrochloric acid
- Iodine
- Paint thinner
- Phosphorous
- & More
In Russia, where krokodil drugs have gained popularity for more than a decade among young adults, it’s used as a cheaper and more potent option than heroin. Krokodil is 10 times cheaper than heroin and produces a stronger but shorter high. Short-term use of krokodil can quickly lead to rotting flesh and other skin disorders.
The function of the brain and central nervous system as a whole is also greatly affected by opioids. Therefore, it’s recommended that individuals dependent on opioids like desomorphine undergo medically assisted detox and professional rehabilitation to safely undergo withdrawal in a safe and secure environment.
What Are the Effects of Krokodil Drug?
When considering various Krokodil side effects, it must be pointed out that many users are making the drug in home labs, meaning that Krokodil products sold on the streets often contain additives or cutting agents. Krokodil cutting agents like gasoline or paint thinner can be toxic to the user, increasing the likelihood of physical complications, overdose, and death. Despite these possible health risks, the cheaper costs of krokodil compared to heroin attract users far more than its side effects scare them.
Common krokodil effects include:
- Feelings of euphoria and pleasure
- Relaxation
- Shallow breathing
- Blood vessel damage
- Skin grafts
- Pneumonia
- Blood poisoning
- Meningitis
- Rotting gums
- Tooth loss
- HIV/HCV
- Bone infections
- Memory loss
- Liver and kidney damage
- Overdose
- Death
The krokodil drug effects begin immediately, but the high is short-lived, typically lasting for up to two hours. This tends to push users into a cycle of repetitive use, exacerbating any potential health issues. People who inject this drug develop krokodil skin, which is characterized by discolored scale-like skin and extreme skin ulcerations. The long-term effects of krokodil can lead to serious vein damage, soft tissue infections, krokodil necrosis, and increased chances of limb amputation.
Where Is the Drug Krokodil Popular?
Krokodil, also known as desomorphine, is a synthetic opioid drug that gained notoriety for its destructive effects on users’ physical and psychological health, including severe tissue damage and a high potential for addiction. It was initially reported to be popular in Russia and other former Soviet republics. Before knowledge of its physical effects was more widely known, the drug gained popularity due to its ease of production using readily available ingredients, such as codeine and household chemicals.
Nowadays, krokodil is most popular in Ukraine, Germany, and Norway. Additionally, it’s estimated that up to 1 million Russian citizens are using krokodil, and the issue is reaching epidemic proportions. It’s important to note that the production and use of Krokodil have severe and often fatal health consequences.
The drug does not have many medical uses and is illegal in most countries due to its high risks and harmful effects on users. Additionally, while it originates from other countries, the increasing use of krokodil in America has not gone unnoticed. It’s essential to prioritize public health efforts to prevent the spread of Krokodil use everywhere and to provide support for individuals struggling with substance abuse issues.
Is Krokodil a Problem in the US?
In 2011, 65 million doses of krokodil were seized in Russia, but what about the US? Authorities believe that a factor that could affect Krokodil detection is the drug’s extremely short half-life. This means that by the time toxicology screens and autopsies can be performed, it may have already flushed out of the victim’s body.
Another concern is that authorities have yet to seize any samples of krokodil in drug busts, so there is no official confirmation of the drug’s presence in the US from the Drug Enforcement Administration. In Europe, a dose of krokodil costs just a few dollars compared to $20 for a hit of heroin. A potential nightmare scenario for the United States would be for heroin users to switch to Krokodil.
How Many Cases of Krokodil in the United States?
All in all, while there have been a handful of reports regarding krokodil in the United States, there has been no confirmed desomorphine found in any clinical specimen or drug sample since 2004. The presence of Krokodil in America seems to be an urban legend, according to research.2
Opioid Rehab and Support at BHOPB
Krokodil is undoubtedly stronger than heroin, is cheaper, and can be made using products the average person can find in their home. Krokodil is a scary alternative that many addicts who have developed a heroin addiction are willing to try.
The best way to prevent drug use, abuse, and addiction is through education. Experimental users, addicts, and their families need to be educated about the potential dangers of substance abuse, the progressive nature of drug use, and the disease of addiction.
Our Banyan rehab in Lake Worth offers various forms of addiction care, including an opioid rehab program that can help individuals dependent on drugs like heroin and Krokodil. If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to heroin, prescription painkillers, cocaine, alcohol, or any other drug, our team has the experience, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Call Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches at 561-220-3981 or contact us online to speak to an admission specialist and learn more about our addiction services.
Sources:
- California Poison Control System (CPCS) – Krokodil
- The American Journal of Medicine – ‘Krokodil’ in the United States Is an Urban Legend and Not a Medical Fact
