Krokodil

A caustic, homemade drug that aggressively eats through the flesh of users has made inroads into the United States.  Recently, two deaths in Arizona were attributed to the use of krokodil, a highly addictive designer drug that had surfaced in Siberia in the early 2000’s and spread through Russia within three years.  Krokodil, also known as the “zombie apocalypse” drug, got its name from the hideous side effects seen in users of the drug. Wherever krokodil is injected, it damages the blood vessels and tissue and the flesh turns green and scaly.  Skin tissue and blood vessels become damaged and causes the flesh to rot from the inside out.

What Krokodil Is

Krokodil is the street name for the drug and chemically it is known as desomorphine, an opioid.  Desomorphine is a potent painkiller that was patented in the United States in the 1930’s and didn’t have recreational uses until its emergence in Russia.  Krokodil is homemade and contains ingredients such as codeine (from over-the-counter medications), iodine, gasoline, red phosphorus, paint thinner or alcohol.  The method of creating krokodil is similar to making methamphetamine.  The method of use is through injection and is usually filtered or boiled first, because users think the process removes any impurities that may be present.

The Origins and Appeal of Krokodil

As stated earlier, krokodil first emerged in Siberia in the early 2000’s.  Krokodil became a popular drug due to the fact that heroin could be difficult to obtain and is expensive in Russia.  Also, krokodil is less expensive not only to purchase but to make as well.  Krokodil produces a similar high to heroin, but the effects only last about ninety minutes. Because of the less expensive cost, the use of the drug became widespread through Russia within a matter of just a few years with the greatest impact felt in the poor rural communities in Russia.  In an article published in Mother Jones this month, it was reported that up to 5 percent of Russian drug users have used krokodil.  While the use of krokodil worldwide is not known, use of the drug has been confirmed among Russian communities in a number of European countries.

Effects of Use

Users inject krokodil and at the injection site, the skin turns green and scaly like a crocodile, showing symptoms of gangrene.  In severe cases, the skin rots away revealing bone beneath, hence its nickname the “zombie apocalypse” drug.  Other permanent effects that are noted with krokodil use include erratic and jerky movements and speech impediments.  Other hideous effects include the disintegration of jawbones and teeth and in the most severe cases amputations are common. As with intravenous drug usage, there is a greater susceptibility to HIV and hepatitis C among other blood-borne illnesses

Implications

The Drug Enforcement Administration has been monitoring krokodil use since 2011.  The two cases reported in Arizona, while not officially confirmed as krokodil cases, bear the hallmarks associated with usage of krokodil.  As of now, the DEA has not declared krokodil a controlled substance.  The main appeal of the drug is its cost.  The Mother Jones article stated that an injection of krokodil can cost around $6 to $8 whereas an injection of heroin can run about $25.