Horrifying Effects of Krokodil: Two Sisters Share Their Story

By Kay Rivero | Oct 16, 2013 | 19:35 PM EDT

The devastating consequences of Krokodil is revealed by sisters Amber and Angie Neitzel, and proof of the illegal drug's horrifying effects are marked on their bodies, reports the Mail Online.

The Neitzel sisters say they have come forward to warn others about Krokodil, saying that they had no idea they were taking the 'cannibal ' drug, instead of heroin. Krokodil originated in Russia, and is a mixture of codeine, gasoline, thinner and other toxic chemicals. It is incredibly cheaper than heroin so that addicts are eager to try it, especially since it causes quite an intense high, according to Time.

Amber Neitzel, 26 and Angie Neitzel, 29, claim that they are two of five Krokodil patients who received treatment for the drug's devastating effects at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joilet, Illinois. They have been using the drug for two months. Their mother Kimberly, who is also addicted to heroin, shares that, "Amber stopped shooting in her legs a little over a month ago, because it was making black spots everywhere," reports Time. Amber has gangrene infections in her arms and legs, while Angie at one point had to be rushed to the hospital for extremely intense stomach pain. She also had to undergo surgery on her legs. (Take a look at the dreadful effects of Krokodil here).

Reports about the drug making its way to the United States have been circulating all month, and Krokodil users have started coming out to warn others about the flesh-eating drug cocktail. Reports about the unmistakable effects of the drug have been coming in from Illinois, Arizona and Utah. The DEA had earlier released a statement that the agency has not received reports about Krokodil presence or abuse.

Amber and Angie are living proof that Krokodil is indeed in the US and is being sold on the streets. Amber had said of the drug, "It didn't take long before we both started to get these horrible deep sores on our bodies, particularly our arms and legs. You can get marks and bleeding from shooting up heroin, but nothing like this. They are deep holes and the skin is just rotting away. It's hard to describe how revolting they are. As well as the scars I was completely sapped of energy, I could barely walk," she told the Daily Mail.

Dr. Abhin Singla, who has been treating Angie, has been wary of the drug reaching the US, saying that "I have friends in Russia and I have been following this for some time, I was extremely worried it would come over to the US and now it has," reports MailOnline. Dr. Singla adds that he expects to see more victims of the drugs coming out and getting treatment.

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