ddicWhat Is Krokodil, and What Makes it So Dangerous?

Mostly prevalent in the poorer southern and eastern regions of Russia, krokodil is a semi-synthetic drug widely known for its extremely addictive nature and tendency to destroy fleshy tissue. Krokodil is arguably one of the most dangerous drugs in the world today, and its use has likely spread beyond Russia into parts of Europe. Here’s what everyone should know about this incredibly dangerous and addictive drug.

What Exactly Is Krokodil?

Krokodil, Russian for “crocodile,” is the street name for the chemical compound desomorphine. A morphine derivative, desomorphine gained popularity in areas near the Russian-Afghan border in the early 2000s after the Russian government cracked down on heroin coming in from Afghanistan. Because of its chemical composition, desomorphine can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in an intense opioid high. The drug can be derived from common codeine in a relatively simple manner, allowing it to be manufactured without advanced equipment at a price far lower than heroin.

How Does Krokodil Affect the Body?

The harmful effects of krokodil go far beyond almost any other opioid. Sometimes referred to as a “flesh-eating drug,” krokodil causes blistering, gangrene and eventual necrosis where it is injected. The scaly appearance of gangrenous lesions are responsible for the drug’s street name. Left untreated, these lesions can lead to severe bone infections that often require limb amputation.

In addition to the severe necrosis associated with krokodil use, the drug takes a massive toll on internal organs. The liver and kidneys, in particular, are likely to sustain damage from desomorphine. Studies also suggest that krokodil use has severe oral health consequences, leading to dental cavities and necrosis of the jaw. Cumulatively, the damage caused by krokodil typically leads to death after two to three years of sustained use.

The Problem of Krokodil Addiction in Russia and Elsewhere

Although krokodil produces an intense high, it doesn’t last as long as comparably potent opioids. As a result, users must inject it more frequently, leading to high rates of addiction. In addition to an estimated one million users in Russia, the drug is known to be popular in Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe. Some researchers believe that the drug has spread to parts of Western Europe and even the United States, though these claims are highly disputed. A single case of krokodil use was confirmed in Australia in 2019, but wealthier Western nations have largely evaded the krokodil epidemic that plagues parts of the former Soviet Union.