Drug and Alcohol - Opioid Addiction
Is Krokodil Fact…or Fiction? A Closer Look at Desomorphine
Krokodil is a dangerous drug that emerged in Russia during the early 2000s...but is it a threat here? Here's why krokodil isn't the only drug that eat you.
Named after the Russian word for “crocodile” due to the appearance of the skin injuries it causes, krokodil is a street name for desomorphine, a potent opioid drug that is no longer widely used.
Reports about krokodil’s use emerged from Russia in the early 2000s. The devastating injuries it seems to cause in the people who use it got krokodil a lot of media attention in the United States…and then it seemed to disappear from the headlines. Part of this is due to deadlier opioids like fentanyl gaining the public’s attention.
But what is krokodil, and what makes it so dangerous?
What Is Krokodil?
Krokodil is an opioid street drug that appears to be used mostly in Russia. It is made from codeine, an opioid commonly found in prescription cough medicines, and other ingredients like iodine.
Originally, krokodil was created as a cheaper alternative to heroin. However, its use quickly spread because of the intense high it produces and its accessibility.
What Is Krokodil Made Of?
The drug can be easily made with codeine, paint thinner, gasoline, hydrochloric acid, iodine, and red phosphorus (usually scraped off the striking pads of matchboxes). This homemade concoction is then injected into the vein or muscle using a needle.
What Is Desomorphine?
Desomorphine, also known as dihydrodesoxymorphine and Permonid, is a synthetic opioid that was first synthesized in 1932. It is similar to morphine in its effects but is approximately eight times more potent. Desomorphine is not widely used in medical practice due to its high potential for addiction and adverse effects.
It's important to note that krokodil isn't really the same as desomorphine. Instead, it's usually made by mixing codeine and iodine with various household chemicals. This homemade mixture may contain trace amounts of desomorphine, but it is not the pure drug itself.
What Does Krokodil Do?
Krokodil acts on the opioid receptors in the brain, producing a similar effect to other opioids such as heroin. This includes feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. However, krokodil is known to produce a more intense high compared to the codeine it's based on.
Short-Term Effects of Krokodil
The short-term effects of krokodil use include:
Intense rush or euphoria
Numbness and tingling around the injection site
Drowsiness or sedation
Slowed breathing and heart rate
Decreased coordination and motor skills
These effects can last for several hours before wearing off.
Long-Term Effects of Krokodil
Unfortunately, the long-term effects of krokodil use are much more severe and dangerous. Due to the toxic chemicals used in its production, krokodil can cause significant damage to the body, including:
Skin ulcerations and infections
Blood vessel damage and necrosis (death) of tissue
Gangrene requiring amputation
Organ damage, particularly to the brain, liver, and kidneys
Increased risk of blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis C due to needle sharing
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
Would you like more information about krokodil and other dangerous opioids? Reach out today.
What Does Krokodil Look Like?
Krokodil is typically a yellow or orange liquid. It may also be found in powdered form. The drug is usually injected using a needle, leaving behind tell-tale signs such as track marks and scarring.
Is Krokodil Fact or Fiction?
The use of krokodil has been confirmed in Russia since 2003 and has since spread to other countries, including the United States.
However, there have been debates on the actual prevalence of krokodil use and its effects. A letter published in the American Journal of Medicine called krokodil an urban legend and said reports of the drug's increasing popularity in North America and Europe had no basis in evidence.
Some experts argue that the sensationalized media coverage of krokodil's gruesome side effects may have exaggerated its use and impact. They suggest that the drug may be more of a regional phenomenon in Russia and is not as widespread as initially thought.
Krokodil's rise in Russia may have been due to conditions in that country. While other opioids were much harder to obtain, codeine, a milder opioid, was available over the counter in Russia until new laws were passed in 2012. Codeine along with other chemicals is used to make krokodil similar to how people cook meth.
Do People Use Krokodil in the US?
In 2013, USA Today ran a story about a report in Arizona that claimed to have found two reports of krokodil use. That same year, Time magazine ran a story citing a report in the American Journal of Medicine that said a man in Missouri lost a finger after using krokodil.
It's not clear how the users in the news reports came across krokodil, or if they used a product they made themselves. Like many things involving drugs, the specifics about these incidents are hard to come by. Nevertheless, reports about "flesh-eating" and "zombie drugs" still regularly show up in media...but they're not about krokodil.
"Tranq dope" is a dangerous mix of opioids like fentanyl and heroin mixed with a drug used in animal medication called xylazine.
We’ll Lead You to New Heights
Do you have more questions about krokodil and other dangerous opioids? Reach out.
What Is Xylazine?
Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is sometimes used in combination with desomorphine to create a potent and dangerous drug that can produce some of the same horrific skin injuries as krokodil, earning it similar nicknames like "zombie drug." It is primarily used as a sedative or pain reliever for animals, but it has also been found to have opioid-like effects when taken by humans.
Although xylazine is a drug that was first developed in the 1950s, it only recently has reentered public light. It's been found in drug stashes across the country, and the behaviors and skin injuries it causes have rapidly become infamous.
Xylazine is also known by the names Rompun and Anased. It's a drug that veterinarians use to sedate horses and other animals for minor surgeries, like dentistry because it causes a drowsy, somewhat detached state where the animal can still stand up and respond to commands.
Effects of Xylazine
When used in humans, xylazine produces intense sedation and numbness as well as some opioid-like effects. Users have reported feeling "completely disconnected from their bodies" after using xylazine.
However, xylazine is highly dangerous when combined with other drugs like opioids or alcohol. The combination of these substances can cause extreme respiratory depression.
Then there's the awful injuries tranq dope causes. It's unclear why xylazine causes injuries. Some experts believe it could be due to impurities in the product, while others suggest that it may have a mechanism of action similar to krokodil, causing damage to tissue and blood vessels.
IV drug use, regardless of the substance being injected, can cause severe harm to the body.
Why Is IV Drug Use So Dangerous?
Opioids like krokodil aren't the only drugs that are injected. Meth, cocaine, and even some designer drugs can all be injected with a needle. IV drug use has been infamously dangerous for decades. There's many reasons why this form of drug abuse is so risky:
Bloodborne Disease
Sharing needles puts you at risk for diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. These viruses can lead to serious health complications, and there's no known cure.
Overdose
Injecting a drug directly into your bloodstream means it takes effect more quickly than if you swallowed, smoked, or snorted the medication. Because of this shorter latency period, there is a higher likelihood that an overdose will occur due to miscalculating the dose or potency of the drug.
Bacteria & Fungal Infections
Germs from dirty injection practices can cause skin and organ infections. The substances people inject can have impurities that are harmful when they get directly into your blood.
Abscesses and Other Skin Injuries
Injecting drugs can cause abscesses and other types of skin injuries like:
Ulcers
Cellulitis (skin infection)
Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria)
This is especially true for users who don't practice proper hygiene or use dirty needles.
Addiction & Dependence
IV drug use can lead to addiction and dependence on the drug being used. This cycle can be difficult to break, and it often leads to dangerous behaviors such as sharing needles and using contaminated substances.
These reasons and more are why many people who use opioids avoid injecting them. However, while snorting and smoking opioids doesn't seem to cause these same injuries, these methods are still highly dangerous due to the drugs being used.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
Do you need advice about krokodil and other dangerous opioids? Reach out today.
Why Is Opioid Abuse So Dangerous?
Opioids are highly addictive substances that can cause many physical and mental health issues, such as:
Overdose
As mentioned earlier, opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to overdose and possible death.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Opioid withdrawal symptoms can be severe and uncomfortable, making it difficult for users to quit on their own.
Mental Health Issues
Long-term opioid use has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Physical Health Problems
Chronic opioid use can lead to a weakened immune system, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and other physical health problems.
It's essential to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction. Treatment programs can provide support and resources to help individuals overcome their dependence and improve their overall health.
Am I Addicted to Opioids?
It's not always easy to tell if you or a loved one is addicted to opioids. It can be easy to hide symptoms until it's too late, and opioids change the way the brain functions, making it very hard to tell if you have a problem.
Some signs that you or someone you know may be addicted to opioids include:
Taking more of the drug than intended or for a longer duration
Craving the drug and constantly thinking about it
Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships due to drug use
Using opioids in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery
If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to seek help from a medical professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
We’ll Lead You to New Heights
Would you like more information about krokodil and other dangerous opioids? Reach out today.
Getting Treated for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction is never going to be easy...but it's worth it, especially considering the alternatives. One of the biggest stumbling blocks is opioid withdrawal symptoms. Painful and unpleasant, they can be overwhelming for many.
Drug detox makes opioid withdrawal easier. With professional help, it's easier to manage the intense flu-like physical symptoms as well as psychological symptoms like drug cravings. A medical detox program can also provide medications and support to help individuals safely wean off opioids without the risk of relapse. Known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), this can make this difficult process easier.
After detox, treatment programs often include therapy and counseling to address the root causes of addiction and teach coping strategies for managing triggers and preventing relapse. These programs also offer resources for continued support and recovery after completing treatment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction, remember that recovery is possible. Seek help from medical professionals and support systems to begin the journey towards a healthier and happier life.
You're Not Alone. Opioid Addiction Is Treatable
Krokodil may or may not be a factor in the US, but plenty of other dangerous opioids are. Fentanyl kills thousands of people a year, a large number of whom may not have been aware they were taking it, as fentanyl frequently contaminates drug stashes.
Krokodil, tranq dope, fentanyl...no matter what they are, they're all lethal and extremely dangerous drugs that can destroy your life quickly. Getting treated for opioid addiction is more necessary than ever.
The Edge Treatment Center provides effective care for opioid addiction and more. With us, you'll be able to address your addiction at its roots, safely exploring the reasons that are driving your drug use. We'll help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and more that'll serve you in a long and happy life that's free from opioid addiction.
You deserve a better life.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.
Written by
Brian MooreContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
Opioid Addiction
August 17, 2024
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Krokodil (desomorphine) is an opioid that originated in Russia and has recently gained attention due to its severe side effects and high risk of addiction. It's made from codeine mixed with other toxic chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner.
While krokodil is not commonly used in the US, there have been a few reported cases of its use. However, other dangerous opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil are more prevalent in the US.
Some common warning signs of opioid addiction include taking more opioids than intended, neglecting responsibilities and relationships for drug use, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using. These are just a few examples; if you suspect you or a loved one may be struggling with opioid addiction, it's important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis.
Yes, opioid addiction can be effectively treated with a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy. MAT helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while therapy addresses the underlying causes of addiction and teaches healthy coping strategies for long-term recovery. Recovery is possible with proper treatment and support.
Xylazine, also known as "tranq dope," is a sedative often used on large animals. It has been found mixed with heroin and other drugs in the US, but its prevalence is not well-documented. However, it poses a significant risk to those who unknowingly consume it due to its potency and potential for overdose.