Is Krokodil the “Zombie” Drug?

You’ve all probably heard of the popular TV show the “Walking Dead,” and now there is a scary new drug out there that is turning the flesh of people who use it into a rotting and fetid mess, it resembles the skin of a zombie.  The drug originated from Russia and is named after the Russian word for crocodile, because of what happens to the skin when a person uses it. 

What is Krokodil?

Krokodil is the name for “desomorphine,” which is a drug that was first developed more than fifty years ago.  The drug is eight times more powerful than morphine and two or three times more powerful than heroin, which may account for its appeal among users.  Another reason people use the drug is because it is cheaper and easier to acquire than heroin.

What happens to your skin when you use Krokodil?

Someone who uses Krokodil will develop scaly, leathery skin at the point of injection and from there it rots and falls off entirely.  Sometimes, the lesions caused by the drug are big enough that the skin will deteriorate and lead to a gangrenous infection.  Once gangrene sets in, a person’s limbs will need to be amputated. Don’t you think that would be enough to stop someone from using the drug?

What sorts of chemicals are found in Krokodil?

Krokodil itself is not responsible for causing the nasty skin condition a user will experience.  It is actually the toxic chemicals used to cut the drug which cause the horrible skin damage.  The chemicals found in Krokodil can include paint thinner, lighter fluid, iodine, gasoline, and red phosphorus.  Making Krokodil is much like making meth and it can be done in someone’s home or in a clandestine lab.

Do you want to die?

Research has shown those who use Krokodil regularly can expect a life span of about 2-3 years after starting to inject the drug.  People who continue to use Krokodil do it because they like the way it makes them feel and to keep them from going through drug withdrawal.  In the United States, there are professional detox programs to help people get through withdrawal from drugs, but people in other countries are not so lucky.

When did Krokodil hit the shores of America?

Until recently, people thought Krokodil was strictly a Russian problem and may have infiltrated a few areas throughout Europe.  However, there have been cases of the drug reported in Germany and now in the U.S.  Arizona has reported a few cases of the drug, as have Illinois, Colorado, Missouri and Montana.  Because some healthcare professionals might not be aware of the drug, there may be more cases of people using the drug but it has not been reported.

Now that you know a little bit about Krokodil…why would you ever want to use it?

Related Coverage

CNN- Krokodil Zombie Drug

Riverfront Times- Krokodil is an extremely dangerous drug

WebMD- deadly drug enters US

Photograph of Krokodil user