Krokodil is an opiate that combines codeine with toxic substances like gasoline or paint thinner. Users inject the mixture into their veins, putting themselves at risk for a host of problems. Krokodil eats through the user’s flesh at the injection site and causes blood vessels to burst, which makes the skin turn scaly and green and eventually slough off. The user puts himself at risk not only for the problems of drug addiction but also for skin problems, infection and sometimes amputation.