Addicts will go through whatever measures to satisfy their needs. However, there are a few addicts to deny one drug in particular due to its terrifying aftermath. This flesh eating drug has earned its title as one of the world most dangerous drug and is one many people do not take lightly. Medically referred to as desomorphine, this horrifying drug commonly goes by “krokodil” due to its popular side effect. There have been a small percentage of reported cases in the United States that symmetrize those that have been found back in Europe. However, nothing compares to the phenomenal outbreak in Russian territory. Speaking realistically, an addict has a poor chance of taking back their life after krokodil, but informing the public may help one realize that taking such a drug isn’t worth their life. It’s in ones best interest to know where krokodil originated, the negative effects that it has on its users, and the life one can expect to have after undergoing such a life threatening addiction in order to prevent further cases with abusers of this opioid. According to the Journal of Addictive Diseases by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM, 2012), research study found that “Krokodil … was first used in Russia in 2003, with a tremendous increase in the number of addicted individuals since then.” Before krokodil, Russia happened to be one of the greatest beholders of heroin consumers.
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Addicts who suffer financially will not hesitate to use their last rubble (Russian currency) on their bad habits. However, many will settle for something a little more in their price range. When times get tough krokodil is the drug one goes to for it gives its users similar effects to that of heroin and costs much cheaper, leading it to also be associated as “the poor mans drug”. In fact, in 2011 anecdotal reports from Russia suggested that ten tablets of over the counter codeine, which happens to be the main kick in krokodil, could be purchased for 120 Russian rubles or $3.71 US dollars (Erowid 2013). The amount of krokodil produced with 120 rubbles is equivalent to that of 500 rubbles worth of heroin –making it Russia’s bestseller. In addition, this cheep heroin substitute is relatively easy to make in the comfort of ones own home. Especially in Russia, where residents aren’t required prescriptions for over the counter drugs such as codeine. As a matter of fact, Anatoly Berestov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, spoke in an interview and said that "[Krokodil] is legal, the state sells this drug in drug stores. One can go there and easily buy codeine medications that people take when they have headaches or cough” (Priymak 2011). Indirectly pointing out that addicts are given the freedom to do what they will with the privilege of being able to purchase such medications. With this at hand one can easily create krokodil through boiling Codeine tablets, red phosphorus from the tips of matches, paint thinner, gasoline, iodine, and hydrochloric acid; all which could be bought at a local market. Some will even add tochytric to the mix, which is an eye drop solution, if they wish to induce in a stronger high. Through these crude elements, many addicts may get the desomorphine analgesic high, but at a heavy cost. The acidity from the substances used aside from the
Addicts who suffer financially will not hesitate to use their last rubble (Russian currency) on their bad habits. However, many will settle for something a little more in their price range. When times get tough krokodil is the drug one goes to for it gives its users similar effects to that of heroin and costs much cheaper, leading it to also be associated as “the poor mans drug”. In fact, in 2011 anecdotal reports from Russia suggested that ten tablets of over the counter codeine, which happens to be the main kick in krokodil, could be purchased for 120 Russian rubles or $3.71 US dollars (Erowid 2013). The amount of krokodil produced with 120 rubbles is equivalent to that of 500 rubbles worth of heroin –making it Russia’s bestseller. In addition, this cheep heroin substitute is relatively easy to make in the comfort of ones own home. Especially in Russia, where residents aren’t required prescriptions for over the counter drugs such as codeine. As a matter of fact, Anatoly Berestov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, spoke in an interview and said that "[Krokodil] is legal, the state sells this drug in drug stores. One can go there and easily buy codeine medications that people take when they have headaches or cough” (Priymak 2011). Indirectly pointing out that addicts are given the freedom to do what they will with the privilege of being able to purchase such medications. With this at hand one can easily create krokodil through boiling Codeine tablets, red phosphorus from the tips of matches, paint thinner, gasoline, iodine, and hydrochloric acid; all which could be bought at a local market. Some will even add tochytric to the mix, which is an eye drop solution, if they wish to induce in a stronger high. Through these crude elements, many addicts may get the desomorphine analgesic high, but at a heavy cost. The acidity from the substances used aside from the