Krokodil; A New Russian Drug Creating Concern in the U.S.

Russian Krokodile drug on the dark Russian flag background.

Every year it seems, we hear another report of another drug that we need to be worried about. In fact, some years we hear multiple reports about multiple new drugs on the scene that we need to concern ourselves with. As drug abuse has spread and become such a rampant, all-encompassing issue, any age range and demographic has reason to be concerned about substance abuse amongst their family members and loved ones.

But rather than engaging in fear-mongering and fretting about the woes of the world and ultimately taking no action to resolve it, let’s have a serious conversation about this subject, let’s raise awareness about it, and let's talk about the newest drug on the scene, so we can all be prepared for it. Let’s talk about Krokodil.

Krokodile drug effects on skin.
Krokodile drug effects on skin.

When we first hear that strange, almost alien name, the first thought that comes to mind is “crocodile.” This is no coincidence. Krokodil earned that name because, when users consume Krokodil the drug begins to have a very unique, “scaling effect” on the skin of the user. The user’s skin becomes extremely dry and scaly, flaking off in some places and producing extremely irritable, uncomfortable rashes in other places. This effect can even become so severe that the skin first forms a rash, then forms scaly flakes of dead skin, then the outer layer of skin falls off, exposing open wounds, lesions, and sores below.

What is Krokodil?

But what is Krokodil? What substance could produce such a specific, traumatic effect on the skin of the user, not to mention the untold horrors that the drug must cause on the internal organs and vital systems of the user?

Krokodil is scientifically known as Desomorphine. Krokodil is “cooked” by combining codeine pills, gasoline, red phosphorous, iodine, and alcohol. The result? Highly addictive. Highly toxic. Highly potent. Extremely corrosive to the body, inside and out.

The reason why Krokodil causes such terrible skin conditions is that the drug kills the blood supply to the skin. As a result, the skin starts to decompose and eventually fall off. Krokodil’s effect of cutting off blood flow to the skin ultimately transforms into cutting blood flow to the extremities. When people use Krokodil for long enough, they will either die from it, or they will need limbs or digits amputated.

Where did Krokodil Come From?

Krokodil is a Russian drug. “Krokodil” actually means “crocodile” in Russian. In an attempt to make a drug that was similar to methamphetamine but which was cheaper and easier to get ingredients for, Russian drug users invented Krokodil.

The creation process likely took a great deal of trial and error to find a drug that was a sort of a cousin of methamphetamine with some opioid properties but could also be produced with household items, could be made with little to no chemist experience, and could be produced in large quantities.

How do We Prevent Krokodil Abuse?

Last year, multiple cases cropped up across Chicago that were highly suspect of Krokodil. While those cases were ultimately proven to be synthetic heroin use, that doesn’t change the pressing fear that this drug will eventually make it over from Russia where it's already immensely popular.

The way we will prevent this drug from catching hold in the U.S. is in the same way that we prevent other drug problems from taking off. We will apply prevention, education, and a strong effort in raising public awareness. Krokodil is not a drug that anyone would use if they knew all of the facts about it. We need to make the above data known well, family to family, friend to friend, community to community, and so on until the nation knows of Russia’s struggle, provides aid if they can, and prepares for massive prevention strategies should this drug arrive on U.S. soil.


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AUTHOR

Ren

After working in addiction treatment for several years, Ren now travels the country, studying drug trends and writing about addiction in our society. Ren is focused on using his skill as an author and counselor to promote recovery and effective solutions to the drug crisis. Connect with Ren on LinkedIn.

NARCONON ARROWHEAD

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION