What is Krokodil? Desomorphine, most commonly known as “Krokodil” or “moonshine heroin”, originated in the United States in 1932 as a pain reliever for patients who just had surgery. In 1936, the United States labeled desomorphine a Schedule 1 controlled substance because of its extremely addictive qualities. Desomorphine is more affective at relieving pain than morphine and is also known to have a more intense high than heroin. This dangerous drug has resurfaced and is now being made in homes using store bought ingredients making Krokodil a very deadly drug. The Middle East is linked with bringing Krokodil back with Afghanistan producing 75% of the opium the world uses.
Today, it is hard for Russians to get their hands on heroin due to strict
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Its name comes from the harm done to the skin caused by its excessive use. Krokodil was thought to be a relatively new drug dating back to 2003, and was wide spread in Russia and the Ukraine. In 2011, there was an estimated 20,000 people respectively who injected the drug. Research shows though, that Russia, the Ukraine and other former Soviet countries have a long history of homemade injectable drugs that date back before the death of the Soviet Union. Heroin was the #1 drug of choice for homemade injection use in Russia and in the Ukraine. When there was a fungal infection that shortened Opium crop production, the area decided that OTC drugs, containing codeine, was cheaper with easier …show more content…
That is important information to always stay current on. One of the components of Krokodil is codeine, a C-II drug that can be sold over the counter. The sale of codeine is restricted to a certain quantity. No more than 240mg can be purchased in a 24 hour period. As a technician, you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a potential drug abuser. Technicians are constantly faced with drug abusers on a day to day basis. Although it is not our position to judge, you need to have a strong standing when dealing with these individuals. Your job can be put in jeopardy for allowing an individual access to a drug that is restricted in quantity. Everything must be documented in the pharmacy, and all medicine has to be accounted for whether it was sold or