Drug use is a constantly developing issue in our society as new substances are pushed into black markets, communities, and shared among users. Sometimes, new drugs are highly volatile, highly addictive, and extremely dangerous; Krokodil drug is one of them.
Krokodil (kr-ak-O-del) is a homemade opioid derivative of codeine and is one of the most potent and dangerous street drugs introduced for recreational use. The drug also contains compounds of desomorphine, codeine, gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid, iodine, hydrochloric acid, and red phosphorus, which can lead to significant harm on the user.
If you know someone who is experimenting with krokodil or has developed drug dependency, please contact a nearby rehab provider that can provide krokodil drug addiction treatment ASAP. Without treatment, patients are likely to experience debilitating and fatal consequences of krokodil use without help from a substance use treatment center.
Why Is It Called “Krokodil?”
Krokodil is a mixture of several opioids and solvents, as mentioned above, and has been introduced as a semi-synthetic street drug from predatory dealers. Nicknames for the drug include “Russian Magic,” “Zombie Drug,” and “Poor Man’s Heroin.” The name krokodil has a morbid meaning due to the physical effects of the drug upon use.
When injected, krokodil causes the veins and skin to become inflamed, infected, gangrenous, discolored, and scale-like; just like a crocodile’s skin. The drug is also referred to as “flesh-eating” due to the physical effects. In addition, users experience an extreme effect on the brain from the mix of solvents and opioids, which renders the user in a passive, zombie-like state.
How Does Krokodil Drug Impact the Body and Brain?
Krokodil users are never going to experience the same thing during each use, which can significantly impact physical and behavioral characteristics. Beyond the damaging skin issues, krokodil can cause permanent physical damage to other parts of the body.
Since krokodil’s effects last for only a short period of time it can lead to significant addiction in users. An individual that is dependent on krokodil may have intense mood swings, irritation, memory loss, speech trouble, and sleep deprivation. Additionally, krokodil can cause erratic and violent behavior during a user’s high that could lead to other physical consequences.
The physical symptoms and harm of krokodil drug can be extensive, especially in frequent users. These symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Faster or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blood vessel damage
- Rotting gums and tooth loss
- In addition to:
- HIV transmission from needles
- Open skin ulcers
- Bone infections
- Extreme respiratory depression (breathing difficulty)
- Overdose and death
However, the physical side effects of krokodil drug impact patients differently and are more extreme for others. For example, some patients may not have total consciousness when they use krokodil and may seizure or pass out upon use. Others can potentially blackout or become unresponsive upon use.
Where Can I Find Local Treatment?
Krokodil treatment can be difficult unless you consult rehab providers and addiction counselors. Without proper behavioral and clinical intervention, it can be difficult to address physical withdrawals, side effects, and mental health issues related to krokodil use.
If you believe you or a loved one needs krokodil treatment, then come visit Crestview Recovery whenever you can. Our Oregon-based drug treatment center employs medical and mental health professionals equipped to address the extreme difficulties of krokodil. Please call our rehab facility directly if you need any further information about our services.
Krokodil drug is extremely dangerous for a number of reasons and should be avoided at all costs. By taking the time to understand krokodil’s effects, you could potentially save a life and help those at potential risk. Give us a call today at 866.262.0531 for help.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
