Krokodil, or desomorphine as it is called medically, is being spotted at an alarming rate in some U.S. states. The drug which originated from Russia uses toxic components such as lighter fluid, codeine pills, paint thinner and matchboxes to make a cheaper and more horrifying form of heroin. Just how horrifying, you ask? Those addicted to the drug develop scaly skin (much like a crocodile, hence its name) as the drug destroys tissue and blood vessels. A flesh eating drug that acts more rapidly on the nervous system and much cheaper to produce-- this can only be a dangerous recipe.

The first few sightings of the drug were in Arizona last September as users came in the hospital with bones exposed and skin rotting. Other effects of drug consumption include rotting sores, abscesses, gangrene, speech impediment as well as permanent brain damage. According to Dr. Abhin Singla, director of Addition Services at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois, the treatment facility this week saw three patients who admitted to using the sickening drug. "It is a horrific way to get sick. The smell of rotten flesh permeates the room. Intensive treatment and skin grafts are required, but they often are not enough to save limbs or lives," Dr. Singla said to The Times Weekly.

Doctors are now creating a public awareness campaign about the notoriety of the drug. Pictures and videos of regular users have been circulating around the web as well. They are also hoping that through word of mouth among habitual heroin users, knowledge of the drug could prevent what can only be described as an inhuman way to suffer.

The authorities are also spreading information about Krokodil as it is crucial that the drug trail be stopped immediately. So far there have been no total tally as to how many lives have been claimed by the drug nor are there outstanding reports as to the figure of regular users. This is mostly because some users do not even know that they are injecting themselves with an imitation brand of heroin and only find out soon after doing so.