Last updated : December 16, 2024
Krokodil is a synthetic drug that was first created in Russia and is very similar in its effects to heroin. However, the effects do not last very long and begin to wear off after about an hour and a half. Krokodil is extremely addictive, perhaps even more so than true heroin. Users may be hooked after only one use. Once the pleasurable effects of the drug have worn off, withdrawal can occur, creating the feeling of need for more of this drug. Like other illegal drugs, krokodil is dangerous with use resulting in terrible side effects which eventually are deadly.
Lower Cost Increases Risk of Deadly Side Effects
This drug is available at a much lower cost than heroin, making it easier for people to purchase when they are short on funds. It is so cost effective that some dealers may be substituting krokodil in place of heroin in order to make a larger profit. Some people may unwittingly purchase this synthetic substance thinking they are purchasing heroin. The highly addictive nature of this drug combined with the short duration of the drug’s effects make it highly unlikely this drug will go away anytime in the near future.
Side Effects from Krokodil Use
Although this drug is made from actual codeine tablets, it contains some very volatile chemicals as well. Some of the chemicals used to make krokodil include gasoline, lighter fluid, or paint thinner. When people inject this substance into their bodies, it is no wonder that horrendous side effects result.
Krokodil Effects on the Skin
The word krokodil is Russian for “crocodile.” Users of this synthetic, heroin-like drug develop skin that is scaly and a greenish tint, resulting in an appearance like that of a human crocodile side show attraction. Krokodil is often referred to as the flesh-eating drug. Once injected, skin cells begin to die. This results in sores and ulcers on the surface of the skin. These wounds do not only occur at injection sites but may occur anywhere in the body. The sores become infected and may develop abscesses. Gangrene and necrosis set in, resulting in the greenish appearance of the skin and underlying tissue. The skin eventually rots away, leaving exposed muscle and bone in its wake.
Krokodil Effects on the Brain
This drug eats away any type of cell in the body. Users are eaten alive from the inside out. Damage that occurs like that on the skin occurs everywhere in the body, including in the brain. Once brain tissue is destroyed, it does not regenerate itself. While on the drug, users act more like zombies. Brain damage occurs, with the result of users losing functioning of proper speech and movement. This results in speech impediments and uncontrollable muscular twitching.
Death or Maiming from Krokodil Use
Krokodil users reduce their life expectancy to 2 to 5 years at most. Due to the highly addictive nature combined with the zombie-like effects this drug produces, it is often difficult for users to see they are in trouble and need help until side effects are horrendously obvious. Those who finally do try to get help for their addiction are typically left with permanent damage and deformity of the body. Bone rots away, including in the jaw and face. Extremities are rotted, damaged, or missing, such as in the nose, ears, or even arms and legs. Former users will have permanent reminders of their affair with the deadly krokodil.
