You know what sucks? Being addicted to heroin (unless you’re into living a completely wretched existence). You know what sucks even more? Being addicted to heroin, not having the money to fund your habit and turning to krokodil, a cheaper alternative that makes your flesh literally rot away from your body. Russia has a particular taste for heroin and krokodil, so we visited the Siberian town of Novokuznetsk – one of the hardest hit areas in terms of drug addiction – to see the hub of the heroin trade, take a look at a religious cult disguised as a rehab clinic and hang out with some addicts.  

More from VICE Is Ten: 2002 – 2012:

Watch – Celebrity Discharge – Tenth Birthday Special

Watch – The VICE Guide to Belfast

Watch – Fashion Week Internationale: Colombia

Watch – The VICE Guide to Liberia