Krokodil Drug Abuse Killing Hundreds of Thousands of Russian Citizens
The 20th century’s post WWII “Cold War” has disappeared into the annals of history. Unfortunately for many Russian citizens the cold war has been eclipsed by a new designer-drug war known as Krokodil addiction. Krokodil (desomorphine) received its disturbing name because the drug turns the injection site necrotic, appearing as a greenish scaly area much like the hide of a crocodile. Necrosis, which is dying flesh will become gangrenous over time, leading to limb amputations and sepsis (toxic levels of bacteria in blood).
Krokodil is several times stronger than heroin. The ingredients are cheap and readily available. There are upwards of a million Krokodil addicts in Russia at present. This number is growing at an alarming rate despite the fact that Krokodil addict’s have a lifespan of only 3 years.
Currently, the only help available to Krokodil addicts comes from underfunded and understaffed Pentecostal Based Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers. The drug counselors cannot believe what they are witnessing; kids and adults with arms and legs literally rotting off their body.
Hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens are being incapacitated, amputated, mutilated and killed by Crocodile (krokodil). The poorest of Russia’s citizens are the most affected. Most of Russia’s poor live in remote areas such as Siberia; which accounts for 77% of Russia’s land mass.
The people who live in these remote areas have little hope for a better life, few resources to leave, subpar medical treatment and 8 months of winter weather per year. The economy, climate, terrain and constant darkness causes feelings of despair and depression. Suicide, alcoholism and drug abuse are the norm.
Russia’s poor are trying desperately to survive. The stress is incredible. “Pleasure” is a powerful coping mechanism. Drugs and alcohol are pleasures that help people to cope with incredible stress. Krokodil is both cheap to make and the ingredients are readily available. Krokodil effects are euphoria and stress relief. The effects last for approximately two hours. During the euphoric phase their flesh literally begins to rot off their skeleton.
The paradox of drug abuse is, “that it feels good - but it’s very dangerous.” Krokodil abuse is the perfect paradigm for this paradox. Drug counselors who are helping Krokodil addicts are overwhelmed, overworked, understaffed and underfunded. Krokodil addicts are literally rotting to death before their eyes. Gangrene and amputations are commonplace and life expectancy is approximately three years.
Paradox of Drug Abuse:
It feels good - but is so damn bad for you.
Drug Abuse Treatment |
