Krokodil Drug Effects
Introducing a narcotic that actually eats your flesh. Desomorphine, street name krokodil, is a freakish synthetic opiod right out of a horror movie. Although relatively new in the U.S., this drug has been destroying lives abroad for years, mostly in Russia, where it kills an estimated 30,000 people a year.
What is Krokodil?
Although similar to heroin, krokodil is potentially more addictive and clearly more dangerous. Homemade, this drug is a combination of codiene with cheap toxic and corrosive products like gasoline, bathroom cleaner, and paint thinner. It causes the flesh to literally peel off the body. While a heroin high can last up to about eight hours, krokodil users stay high for only an hour or so before needing another fix.
Desomorphine is a combination of codeine, iodine and red phosphorus manufactured at home like methamphetamine. It is almost 10 times more potent than morphine. Users are finding that despite the zombie-like high, the scaly skin side effect that comes with krokodil use will cost them big. This drug first starting popping up on the Russian black market, in fact, krokodil means crocodile in Russian. The nickname comes from the nasty patches of scaly black and green skin that appear after use.
Addicts are always looking for a new high, and with krokodil, they find one that is also far cheaper than heroin. Although federal investigators have yet to confirm any actual cases in the United States, as many as four states are reporting hospitalizations associated with this drug. Recently, an Oklahoma doctor stated he believed one of his patients had lost portions of her legs due to krokodil use.
Symptoms
Users will display the usual symptoms of opiate use, plus horrendous skin damage. Side effects include:
- Scaly skin
- Gangrene
- Phlebitis
- Flush skin
- Difficulty staying awake when high – frequent nodding off
- Itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In addition, krokodil addict may develop abscesses around injection sites. Their skin will blister and peel, especially on the lower limbs.
Drug Test for Krokodil
The potentially disabling side effects of Krokodil make testing and treatment extremely critical. If you suspect krokodil use, get a Health Street test that is capable of detecting this horrific flesh-eating drug before it is too late. Call us for specialized testing of this horrendous drug, as typical drug tests won't catch it.
