Designer Drug Krokodil, Kills at a Faster Rate

Russian Designer Drug “Krokodil” Gains Attention of Junkies, Law Enforcement

The landscape of drug trafficking and abuse is shifting noticeably as new and even more dangerous drugs are introduced to the community. Substitute concoctions called designer drugs are cheap alternatives to conventional illicit substances and are often created in an attempt to avoid brushes with the law. These alternatives are, however, riskier and often more destructive than their illegal counterparts. The new designer drug krokodil is emerging as a cheap heroin substitute and accounts for half of recent drug-related fatalities in Russia. It is becoming increasingly popular and whether or not it makes its way to the U.S. is open to speculation.

There’s a new drug emerging on the scene that, by all accounts, delivers quite a “bite.” This morphine derivative, called krokodil, or “crocodile,” is named for the side-effects that many of its users experience—namely rough, green, scaly, rotting flesh surrounding the injection site. Many users found their flesh literally eaten away from this drug and infection. It’s a designer drug; typically containing codeine mixed with iodine, hydrochloric acid, gasoline, paint thinner, and other household substances. Its desired effects are comparable to that of heroin and are killing most people within three years of use. Despite the noticeable and adverse side-effects of this lethal cocktail, it is becoming increasing popular in Russia (over one million shooting) and there is debate as to whether or not this drug will breach U.S. borders. Regardless, doctors and toxicologists interviewed about the drug are left incredulous by the desperation that addicts show, and rehab specialists readily testify to the drug’s destructive power.

Irina Pavlova, a recovering krokodil addict, was so dependent on the drug that when she wasn’t shooting, she was already cooking another fresh concoction of krokodil. Like many drugs even noticeable physical damage, mental devastation, and death aren’t enough for krokodil users to stop. Pavlova is very fortunate to escape this flesh eating drug; since she was checked into rehab she has remained clean for two years.

Since this outbreak in Russia the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is now watching diligently to try and deter it from entering America. “We’re looking at it overseas, but we have not seen it yet in the U.S.,” Rusty Payne stated, DEA spokesman. “But we would not be surprised when that day comes.”

Addiction to any harmful substance can prove dangerous but replacing the real thing with cheaper ingredients to obtain the same high is claiming more lives at a rapid rate.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, there is hope. Please contact one of our trained addiction specialists here at The Addiction Recovery Center for more information at 1-888-510-2481 or you can chat live now.

References: FOX News, TIME

Links: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/28/dea-now-monitoring-krokodil-deadly-morphine-derivative/

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2078355,00.html