A New Danger in Our Midst: Krokodil (Desomorphine) Addiction*

The use of addictive synthetic substances is ever-increasing both in Turkey and throughout the world, and new substances are emerging over time. Just as these substances can be re-synthesized, they can also be in the form of known illicit and home-produced substances. Having the active ingredient of desomorphine, krokodil has been known for many years as an addictive synthetic substance whose illegal production and use has increased in recent years. As cases of krokodil use have been reported from many places in the world, especially from regions geographically close to Turkey, this substance must be viewed as a potential threat to the country. The aim of this study is to examine desomorphine in detail and to raise awareness of this substance among healthcare professionals, primarily those working in the area of addiction.

To cite this article: Karakaya, İ. (2019). A new danger in our midst: Krokodil (desomorphine) addiction. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 6, 7‒23. http://dx.doi.org/10.15805/addicta.2019.6.1.0030