Posted on by MarkLockwood

Krokodil Addiction

 

WHAT IS KROKODIL ADDICTION?

Desomorphine, known by the street name Krokodil, is an opioid derivative of codeine. Like heroin and other opioids, it has a sedative and analgesic effect, is highly addictive, and potentially harmful. Of note, Krokodil is presumed to contain desomorphine, but due to illicit, home based, manufacturing, it may contain other unknown ingredients, or in fact, no desomorphine at all. Krokodil addiction, thus can be deadly.

Homemade versions of the drug start with codeine, and can be cooked similar to illicit methamphetamine production. Organic solvents such as gasoline, paint thinner, or lighter fluid, iodine, hydrochloric acid, and red phosphorus are used in homemade synthesis. These dangerous chemicals, related to Krokodil addiction are not always fully cooked out of the concoction when used to make illicit Krokodil.

Those suffering from Krokodil addiction inject these caustic agents into their veins can develop extreme skin ulceration’s, infections, and gangrene – a discolored scale like skin that resembles a crocodile, hence the street name ‘Krokodil’. Krokodil also refers to a codeine derivative in the synthetic path of desomorphine. Krokodil is also called “Russian Magic”, referring to its short duration of opioid intoxication (euphoria) that causes Krokodil addiction.

EFFECTS OF KROKODIL ADDICTION?

According to reports, the drug has been noticed to be fast acting and eight to ten times more potent than morphine. The addictive qualities of this dangerous, and deadly drug make Krokodil addiction a major, major health risk problem. However, the half life is short, and euphoric effects may last less than 2 hours. Due to the short ‘high’, many users find themselves in a rapid repetition of drug synthesis to avoid withdrawal symptoms that are typical of heroin.

 

Reported health hazards due to Krokodil injection use include:

  • Blood vessel damage
  • Open ulcers, gangrene, phlebitis
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Skin grafts/surgery
  • Limb amputations
  • Blood poisoning
  • Meningitis
  • Rotting gums
  • Tooth loss
  • Bone infections
  • Speech and motor skills impairment
  • Memory loss
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Death

For more help with addiction and the brain contact Pathways Plett rehab. We are here to help +2782 442 4779 / +2744 533 0330.