Krokodil Drug (Desomorphine): The “Zombie Drug” and Its Dangers

Krokodil (also known as desomorphine) is a highly addictive and dangerous drug that has devastating effects on the body. Often referred to as the zombie drug, krokodil can cause severe damage to the skin, muscles, and organs, leading to horrific outcomes like rotting flesh, infections, and even death.

Originally used in Russia as a cheap substitute for heroin, krokodil has spread to other countries, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This guide explains why krokodil should not be used under any circumstances. It also outlines how you can connect with compassionate treatment for substance abuse if you or a loved one are dealing with these issues.

What Is Krokodil (Desomorphine)?

Krokodil, or desomorphine, is a highly addictive drug derived from painkiller codeine mixed with other substances. The drug gets its street name, krokodil, because it causes the skin of those using the drug to become scaly and green, like a crocodile’s. Krokodil skin happens due to the toxic chemicals used to make it, such as gasoline, paint thinner, and lighter fluid, potentially triggering gangrene.

Desomorphine was created in the 1930s as a medical drug to treat pain, but it was quickly abandoned due to its high potential for abuse and harmful side effects [1]. Today, krokodil is an illegal street drug, most often found in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, but is also being seen in the US and elsewhere. People who use krokodil are looking for a cheaper alternative to heroin, but the price they pay in terms of health is remarkably high.

How Is Krokodil Used?

Krokodil is most commonly injected directly into the veins, similar to how heroin is used. This method delivers a quick, intense high lasting about 1-2 hours.

The process of making krokodil involves mixing codeine with a variety of harmful household chemicals. Because the drug is homemade, it is often impure and dangerous to inject. The chemicals can cause severe damage to the skin, muscles, and blood vessels at the injection site, leading to infections, tissue death, and sometimes the need for amputation.

While injecting is the most common way to use krokodil, some people may also smoke or ingest it. However, these methods are less common due to the strong desire for the quicker, more intense krokodil effects that come from injecting the drug. Regardless of how it’s used, krokodil is incredibly harmful and life-threatening.

Krokodil Drug Pictures

The damage caused by krokodil is shocking and hard to believe until you see it. Pictures of those who use krokodil show the terrible effects this drug has on the body. The skin at the injection site often turns green or black, becomes scaly, and eventually rots away. The skin can peel off completely, exposing muscle and bone underneath. Below are some pictures that reveal the horrifying consequences of krokodil use.

Why Is Krokodil Also Known as the “Zombie Drug”?

Krokodil is often called the zombie drug [2]. The nickname comes from the way krokodil affects the skin and behavior of those using the drug. People addicted to krokodil often develop scaly, infected skin and may appear lifeless, moving slowly and without energy, similar to how zombies are often portrayed in movies. The drug can cloud their minds, making it hard to think clearly or speak normally. These physical and mental changes, along with the horrifying skin damage, are why krokodil is known as the zombie drug.

Krokodil Drug Effects

Krokodil is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world due to its devastating effects on both the mind and body. This homemade drug, often created with toxic chemicals, can cause severe damage after just a short period of use. From the moment it enters the bloodstream, krokodil begins to wreak havoc, resulting in horrifying consequences that affect the person physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Short-Term Effects

The effects of krokodil are felt almost immediately after use, especially when injected into the bloodstream. The drug works quickly, producing a strong but short-lived high similar to that of heroin. However, because the high lasts only about 90 minutes to two hours, people often inject more frequently to maintain the feeling and avoid painful withdrawal symptoms. The short-term effects may seem similar to other opioids, but they are much more dangerous due to the way the drug is made and the toxic ingredients it contains.

Here are some of the short-term effects of krokodil use:

• Euphoria: Like other opioids, krokodil gives people a powerful sense of euphoria or a high that makes them feel relaxed and happy [3].
• Pain relief: Krokodil is a strong painkiller, much more powerful than morphine. People using the drug feel numb and detached from physical pain.
• Drowsiness and sedation: After injecting krokodil, people may feel drowsy or sedated, making it difficult to function or stay alert.
• Skin reactions at injection sites: The toxic chemicals begin to erode the skin, muscles, and blood vessels near the injection site, causing swelling, redness, and pain [4].
• Rapid dependence: People can become physically dependent after just a few uses, leading to frequent injections to avoid withdrawal.
• Nausea and vomiting: Common side effects due to opioids or chemical toxicity.
• Shallow breathing: Can slow breathing, sometimes to life-threatening levels.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of krokodil are devastating, often causing irreversible damage to the body and mind. Unlike other drugs, which may take years to cause serious problems, krokodil can lead to life-threatening conditions within weeks or months.

Some long-term effects include:

• Skin and tissue necrosis: Chemicals like gasoline and hydrochloric acid cause large open sores, potentially exposing bone.
• Severe infections: Can spread systemically, leading to sepsis, organ failure, and death.
• Gangrene: Restricted blood flow and tissue death, often requiring amputation.
• Organ damage: Liver, kidneys, and heart can fail due to toxic overload.
• Brain damage: Cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent brain damage.
• Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, paranoia, suicidal tendencies [5].
• Shortened life expectancy: Many users die within 2–3 years due to overdose, infection, or organ failure.

Krokodil Warnings & Risks

The use of krokodil comes with extreme risks, even after a single use.

Addiction Risk

Krokodil is highly addictive due to its potency and short duration, leading to frequent injections and rapid dependence [6]. Withdrawal is severe and includes muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, making professional help essential.

Overdose

Overdose risk is extremely high. Like other opioids, krokodil slows the central nervous system and breathing. Its homemade nature increases uncertainty about potency and toxicity.

Signs of overdose include:

• Slow or stopped breathing: Can lead to brain damage or death.
• Severe drowsiness or unconsciousness: May result in coma.
• Weak pulse: Heart may slow, causing irregular pulse.

If someone shows signs of a krokodil overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.

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• Talk therapies
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Sources

1. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/desomorphine.pdf
2. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2014.3a23
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/euphoria
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4864092/
5. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/