Vice Essentials Season 1 Episode 3 Krokodil Tears
- TV14
- February 29, 2016
Vice Essentials season 1 episode 3, titled Krokodil Tears, takes an inside look at the dangerous drug known as Krokodil, a drug that has ravaged Russia and is quickly making its way to other parts of the world.
The episode begins with a brief explanation of what Krokodil is and how it's made. Krokodil is a homemade drug that is essentially a cheaper version of heroin. It's made by mixing codeine with a variety of other substances, including gasoline and paint thinner, and then cooking it up on a stove. The result is a thick, black liquid that is injected directly into the bloodstream.
The episode then shifts to Russia, where Krokodil first gained popularity. The Vice team meets with users and dealers to get an understanding of how widespread the drug has become. They visit a local hospital, where they witness the devastating effects of Krokodil addiction. Patients with rotting limbs and abscesses are a common sight in these hospitals, and doctors are struggling to keep up with the demand for treatment.
The episode also takes a look at the social and economic factors that have led to the rise of Krokodil. Russia has a long history of drug addiction, and the collapse of the Soviet Union left many people without basic necessities like food and shelter. This, combined with easy access to cheap, homemade drugs like Krokodil, has fueled the drug epidemic in Russia.
The Vice team also visits the United States, where Krokodil is beginning to make its way into the drug scene. They meet with drug users who have turned to Krokodil as a cheaper alternative to heroin. The team also interviews medical professionals who are warning against the dangers of the drug and trying to raise awareness about its effects.
Throughout the episode, the Vice team illustrates the devastating effects of Krokodil addiction. They show graphic images of the physical damage the drug can cause, including rotting limbs and open wounds. They also speak with addicts who have lost everything to the drug, including their families and their jobs.
The episode ends with a warning about the dangers of Krokodil and a call to action for governments to address the root causes of drug addiction. The Vice team makes it clear that while Krokodil may seem like a problem confined to Russia, it has the potential to become a global epidemic if action isn't taken.
Overall, Vice Essentials season 1 episode 3, Krokodil Tears, is a powerful and eye-opening look at the devastating effects of Krokodil addiction. The episode provides an in-depth look at the physical and social factors that contribute to the rise of the drug and as well as a warning of its potential to cause a global epidemic.