It’s unfortunate that most people begin down the rabbit hole of addiction with little to no prior research about the drugs they take. This is especially true of teens. If it’s hot, everyone is doing it, or rock stars are promoting it – they are ‘trying’ it.

Adults are not much better. Their coveted escape is the only focus and the thought of researching an easily obtained drug will only delay the desperate desire for relief.

But sooner than later, the drug of choice is not enough. The high is too short, or it takes a stronger dose to reach the desired euphoric state; and the search for a better high is on. The result: addiction, or all too often death; which may have been avoided with a little research.

The internet provides an overabundance of well documented, authoritative websites in which to obtain dependable drug facts. Seeking professional help is always the wisest choice when it comes to managing life’s stressors. But, if addiction is the choice you make, know the evils that lurk on the road ahead. Take Krokodil for instance.

Possible Sighting of Russian Drug Krokodil on American Soil

The latest killer drug in the news, Krokodil, is suspected to be linked to illnesses of two people in Arizona. WebMd has reported that the Banner Good Samaritan Poison & Drug Information Center has not confirmed Krokodil to be the cause of the maladies of the two Arizona patients and according to the DEA, there are no confirmed U.S. cases reported as of yet. However, reports of Krokodil’s horrific side effects have recently surfaced twice during the same week in America.

Krokodil Defined

“She said ‘I’m gonna make it up right here in the sink.’ It smelled like turpentine, it looked like Indian ink. I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink.” – Love Potion No. 9 Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller.

Originating in Siberia and Eastern Russia in 2002, as reported in 2011 by Time World, drug addicts began using Krokodil as a replacement for the more expensive drug heroin. Not only is Krokodil three to ten times less-expensive than heroin, it provides the same high, and it can be made at home with easily obtained ingredients.

  • Codeine
  • Gasoline
  • Paint thinner
  • Hydrochloric acid
  • Iodine
  • Red phosphorous
  • Lighter fluid
  • Alcohol

The mixture is then, most commonly, injected reaching the desired ‘high’ within five to ten minutes.

If it Doesn’t Kill You, You Will Wish it Did

Like everything else, you get what you pay for. Krokodil may be cheap in America, but the side effects will assuredly cost you your life.

  • Skin becomes scaly and green, thus the name
  • This drug eats away at the body from the inside out, eventually decomposing the skin
  • Gangrene
  • Brain damage
  • Certain death within 2-3 years
  • Decaying sores
  • Blood poisoning
  • Amputation
  • Bone tissue becomes porous and dissolves, most commonly in the lower jaw
  • Meningitis

Death by Krokodil is a slow, painful, agonizing way to die; which makes one wonder…. is the short 60 – 90 minute high really worth it? The DEA has kept an eye on Krokodil for many years dreading the day it will show up in America. Terrifying as it is, that day may be now.