The Walking Dead: Users of Krokodil

Source: http://www.rebelcircus.com/blog/a-dr...re-their-eyes/



The drug that destroys your body while you are still alive. The withdrawal is so tortuous that users cannot stop injecting the drug, literally wasting away at the hands of this terrible opiate.

Desomorphine is a strong opiate. Drug manufacturers, primarily located in Russia and the Ukraine, discovered that making desomorphine is a relatively inexpensive, simple process. Homemade desomorphine is known as krokodil. Krokodil is extremely dangerous. Not only is it a dangerous, addictive opiate, when it is synthesized outside of a lab by pharmaceutical professionals, many of the toxic ingredients are not filtered out. Users who are extremely addicted to krokodil are so dependent that they knowingly inject it into their flesh, which begins to decay almost immediately. The drug is so strong and the withdrawal so torturous that users are willing to walk around with black, decaying, gangrenous skin rather than suffering through the horrible, sickening pain of withdrawal. They are the walking dead. The following images depict the horrifying effects of krokodil. Warning: the images are extremely graphic and distressing.



How it's made. The synthesis of krokodil is a relatively simple process using codeine with various additives, many of which are toxic. It is estimated that it only takes about an hour to manufacture krokodil. Most of the ingredients are inexpensive and legal to purchase in Russia.



The price. Krokodil is less expensive than heroin. It is also much less expensive than painkillers and most sedatives. The affordability of krokodil plays a major role in the widespread use of the drug.



Injection. As with any drug administered intravenously, krokodil users run a greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases. Dirty needles are frequently used by addicts when fresh syringes are unavailable. The dependence on krokodil is so strong that the risks associated with using a dirty needle are often accepted.



Necrosis. Krokodil is manufactured using toxic chemicals. The majority of the toxins are not filtered out during the synthesis of the drug. As a result, necrosis begins at the injection site, as seen here.



Personality changes. Krokodil affects the brain. It causes personality changes and extreme mood swings. It causes impaired speech and general disorientation. The damage krokodil causes to the brain is irreversible.



Gangrene. Krokodil causes the skin to turn black and scaly and to fall off in chunks. It also eats away at the teeth and gums and disfigures the jaw. Krokodil impairs motor skills and impacts the ability to concentrate.



A certain death. Krokodil is not a sustainable drug. Regular use guarantees an imminent death, whether from gangrene, necrosis, or sepsis. However, most users are powerless to the pain of withdrawal.



Unfiltered. Different chemicals are used in the synthesis of krokodil. Antifreeze, formaldehyde, kerosene, and cleaning products have all been utilized as ingredients. Paint thinner and hydrochloric acid are also used.



Half life. Krokodil has an extremely short half life. As a result, users of the drug are required to inject it on a near constant basis. It is described as being more addictive than heroin.



Russia. The majority of krokodil users live in Russia and the Ukraine. However, krokodil use is spreading. While there have been no documented cases of krokodil use in the US, there are rumors of its presence.



Potency. Krokodil is ten times more potent than heroin. The high produced by krokodil is significantly shorter than that of heroin. Withdrawal from krokodil is said to be excruciatingly painful, and the symptoms of withdrawal can last for over a month.



Amputation. Krokodil users frequently have to undergo amputation as a result of gangrene. Krokodil also causes permanent damage to the nervous system. Even after the cessation of use, users of krokodil rarely recover.



Lesions. A young krokodil user pictured here with prominent lesions and ulcers on his face. Krokodil causes permanent disfigurement.



An epidemic. Russian law enforcement has worked diligently in an effort to stop the manufacture and spread of krokodil. Unfortunately, its use is so widespread, they have been unable to do so.



Danger. Some say that krokodil is the world's most dangerous drug. With its availability, low price and addictive properties, they might be right. The number of walking dead grows every day.