Krokodil is an Old Drug That is Beginning to Cause New Problems

Krokodil is an Old Drug That is Beginning to Cause New Problems

There is a new designer drug that is known as krokodil. Krokodil has been around for roughly a decade but has recently grown in popularity. It is a by-product of morphine. To date abusers of this new designer drug have only been found in Russia. The lethal drug is produced by combining codeine, gasoline, paint thinner, iodine, red phosphorous and hydrochloric acid. It is quickly proving to be a lethal drug with effects comparable to the likes of heroin. Krokodil is also known as crocodile because the user’s skin will become greenish and scaly around the surrounding area of the skin where the drug is injected. The drug was first available in Siberia and Russia has become more available as it is a cheaper substitute to similar drugs. While there isn’t major concern yet that the drug is going to reach the United States it is difficult to ignore the danger that comes with abusing this new designer drug. Much like crystal meth production of krokodil is relatively inexpensive and the potential damage that it could cause if it ever reached the states is alarming. One major source of prevention that can be done before the drug gets to the states, if it does, is education. Informing the public about the health dangers and potential negative consequences that comes with krokodil and addiction is the best initial way to prevent it from becoming an epidemic. No matter what is done the potential of new drugs is always going to be a threat and it is important that we are aware and informed.