One of the hardest battles in the fight against substance abuse is finding new drugs and stopping their widespread use before the problem worsens. Law enforcement officials around the country are now on the lookout for Krokodil, a morphine-like substance that originated in Russia.
Users claim that it is highly addictive and stronger than heroin. If you're wondering about the name, it comes from the fact that it causes the formation of green scales over rotting flesh. Despite remaining overseas for several years, it has supposedly made an appearance in Arizona.
A poison control center in Phoenix, Arizona, reported that it has had at least two calls relating to Krokodil. These are the first incidents involving the drug in the United States. According to CBS News, the drug has over 1 million users in Russia, and is rapidly growing in popularity across Europe due to its price, potency and accessibility. The drug is made using codeine, iodine, gasoline, paint thinner, hydrochloric acid and lighter fluid. Medical officials say that this mixture of ingredients in highly dangerous.
"They extract [the drug] and even though they believe that most of the oil and gasoline is gone, there is still remnants of it," said Dr. Frank LoVecchio, co-director of the Phoenix poison control center, to the source. "You can imagine just injecting a little bit of it into your veins can cause a lot of damage."
Ending drug abuse starts with a supportive group of family members and friends. If someone you love is suffering from drug addiction, now is the time to seek help. Contact Intervention Services today to be connected with an experienced intervention who can help your loved one recover.