Krokodil drug: dangers, effects and consequences of the deadly substance

What is the crocodile drug and where does it come from?

The krokodil drug, known in specialist circles as desomorphine, originated in Russia, where it became widespread in the early 2000s, particularly among socially disadvantaged population groups. It is often referred to as a "zombie drug", as its users develop serious skin and tissue damage after regular use, often leaving them disfigured and helpless.

The reason for the frightening physical changes and the name "crocodile" lies in one of its main effects: Within a short time, the skin at the injection sites begins to discolour, keratinise and eventually flake - similar to the skin of a crocodile. These serious effects occur because the drug is made from extremely toxic chemicals that cause massive damage to the body in addition to an intense but brief high. The drug is particularly common among people who cannot afford the more expensive alternatives such as heroin and are looking for a cheaper, easy-to-produce solution.

Composition and production - Why the crocodile drug is so dangerous

The devastating consequences of the krokodil drug are directly related to its composition. The drug consists of desomorphine, a very strong opioid that is about ten times more potent than morphine and has a similar intoxicating effects as heroin. The difference, however, lies in the way the drug is produced: To obtain the desomorphine, simple painkillers are laced with a mixture of highly corrosive and toxic household chemicals - including petrol, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus (from matches, for example) and sometimes even bleach. Once injected, these chemicals penetrate directly into the surrounding tissue, destroying it and often causing it to literally rot.

Consumers not only experience the typical "high" of an opiate through this mixture, but also the toxic effects of the chemicals on the body. Blood vessels become clogged, tissue dies and necrotic wounds form, which often reach deep into the flesh and are difficult or impossible to treat. The rapid deterioration of tissue is one of the characteristics that distinguishes the krokodil drug from other substances and makes it particularly dangerous. Anyone who consumes the drug over a long period of time risks serious infections and inflammations that can destroy the body in a very short time.

Effects of the crocodile drug - Why it is called "crocodile"

The effects of the crocodile drug set in quickly and violently and surpass the dangers of many other drugs. After just a few injections, the skin around the injection sites shows drastic changes. The drug has such an aggressive effect on the tissue that it slowly dies and becomes discoloured. The skin takes on a greenish-grey colour and begins to flake, giving it an uncanny resemblance to the skin of a crocodile. This characteristic appearance not only gives the drug its name, but is also a visible sign of the extreme physical damage suffered by users.

The death of the tissue is often accompanied by open wounds and deeper ulcers, which can gradually spread and affect large areas of skin. Unlike with other drugs, it is not only the outer skin that is affected: The crocodile drug attacks muscles, veins and even bones, so that parts of the body are often irrevocably destroyed in those affected. These wounds are not only painful, but also extremely susceptible to infection. Without intensive medical treatment, the infections spread quickly throughout the body and often lead to blood poisoning or organ failure. The visibly altered skin and extensive damage has meant that images of "before and after" changes are often used as a deterrent warning - because the physical misery caused by the drug is hard to ignore.

The serious consequences of the crocodile drug

Consumption of the crocodile drug has drastic effects on the body and psyche, which are often irreversible after just a few uses. The chemical composition of this drug is so toxic that the skin and surrounding tissue literally disintegrate. Large, open wounds appear at the injection sites, which look like deep flesh wounds and cause severe pain. As the drug also impairs blood circulation in the affected areas, the destruction often spreads rapidly. These injuries are not only difficult to treat, but also leave deeply scarred and disfigured areas of skin after healing.

But the physical consequences are only part of the problem. The mental health of users also suffers massively. The drug is extremely addictive and the resulting "high" is only short-lived. In order to maintain the effect, addicts inject the toxic mixture again and again, which further accelerates physical deterioration. The life expectancy of people who regularly consume krokodil is often only a few years. Users often die from serious infections, organ failure or internal haemorrhaging, as the body cannot withstand these constant attacks for long. In addition, the drug often leads to severe depression and delusions that make the social and personal lives of those affected almost impossible.

In many cases, those affected live in isolation, as the visible damage to their bodies and their mental instability severely impair their normal lives. The physical deterioration and social isolation often lead to consumers being excluded from society and finding little support. The destructive cycle of physical dependence and social isolation shows how devastating the krokodil drug is in its effects.

Why is the crocodile drug spreading?

Although the drastic consequences of the krokodil drug are well known, it remains widespread, especially in Russia and some other countries. A major reason for this spread is the social and economic situation of the affected users. The drug is incredibly cheap compared to other opiates such as heroin and can be produced with relatively easily accessible ingredients. In economically weak regions with few prospects, many people therefore turn to this cheap, albeit dangerous, alternative to "forget" their life situation for a short time.

The ease of production and the high availability of the ingredients mean that the drug can often be produced without much trouble, which makes it even more attractive to desperate people. However, as the krokodil drug is not only appearing in Russia, but also occasionally in other countries, there is a risk that this dangerous phenomenon will continue to spread. The drug can now also reach other regions via the internet and international smuggling routes, making it a growing problem.

The spread is also favoured by the fact that many users are often unaware of the extreme risks of the drug or their addiction leads them to ignore the dangers. In countries where access to help or prevention is limited, many people often have little protection from the devastating effects of the krokodil drug. This shows the importance of education and prevention programmes to inform people early on about the risks and destructive nature of this drug.

Conclusion: Education as protection against the crocodile drug

The krokodil drug is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world and shows how destructive a substance can be for body and mind. The rapid physical deterioration and the extremely high risk of addiction mean that most users only survive for a few years. The drug not only causes serious physical damage, but also isolates those affected socially and psychologically. Despite the known risks, krokodil remains a frequently used drug in certain areas, which shows how important comprehensive education and prevention are. A strong awareness of the fatal consequences of the krokodil drug can prevent people from falling into the vicious circle of addiction in the first place. Prevention campaigns and support services for people at risk are crucial to curb the spread of this drug and offer real alternatives and support to people in need. Ultimately, only a combination of information, social support and targeted education can help to make people aware of the risks and protect them from this devastating addiction.