Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Main Things to Know about CHS
With the continuing legalization of cannabis across the U.S. states, its usage keeps increasing. However, despite its medical benefits, it contributes to a host of potentially harmful side effects. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rarely diagnosed medical condition accompanied by extreme dehydration and other symptoms that occur in people who utilize cannabis for prolonged periods. In this article, we will clarify the nature of this ailment, explain how it affects health, and discuss possible pathways to recovery.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a dangerous disorder resulting in vomiting and abdominal pain. Its advanced stages may require hospital admission, so detecting its signs in time is crucial to streamline the recovery process. Also called “weed sickness,” it commonly manifests due to long-term marijuana use. More specifically, a person who smokes cannabis at least once a week is more likely to develop health issues.
Disregarding the seriousness of CHS and failing to recognize its first signs may lead to the first cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome episode. Detecting its traits requires paying attention to the following:
- Dizziness;
- Disorientation;
- Increased heartbeat.
First described as a medical condition back in 2004, CHS since then has become more common, as now people can legally purchase weed in many states. According to a recent study, 32.9% of marijuana users in emergency rooms had observable symptoms. While there is no consensus regarding the main triggers, frequent usage is typically linked with CHS.
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Main Causes of CHS
As only some drug addicts develop cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, it requires further research to see what provokes it and what factors mitigate possible risks. Predisposition to CHS is likely to be amplified by the following:
- Genetic susceptibility: Some people are more resistant to developing the addiction.
- Age of first use: Those who start using cannabinoids for medical or recreational purposes during their teenage years are less resistant.
Populations who are at a higher risk of developing CHS are more vulnerable to the impact of the three main cannabis components on their central nervous system (CNS):
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC);
- Cannabidiol (CBD);
- Cannabigerol (CBG).
They impact the CNS functioning and have a powerful antiemetic effect serving as a protection against queasiness. However, due to the prolonged usage of cannabis, a person develops tolerance to it.
The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) lies in regulating appetite, mood, and pain sensation. Regular exposure to THC leads to ESC deregulation. As time goes on, the brain receptors start to react differently to the chemicals. Their malfunctioning may result in nausea.
Regardless of the specific cases, paying attention to early warnings is the surest way to avoid hospitalization and long-lasting health effects.
Symptoms Associated with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Dehydration is one of the most recurrent CHS signs, manifesting in various ways. The whole new term “scromiting” was devised to describe the intense cases of vomiting accompanied by screaming caused by pain.
Some people develop the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), causing repeating episodes lasting up to several days. In the worst cases, a person may vomit without warning up to 5 times per 60 minutes, which causes extreme discomfort and makes it impossible to remain fully functional. Other related symptoms include:
- Weight loss;
- Stomach pain;
- Poor appetite;
- Phobias;
- Morning sickness.
As during the first phase vomiting rarely occurs, it is impossible to diagnose a patient with CHS based on this indicator alone. This is why when a person starts to experience sudden urges to throw up, but it never happens, it is the first sign to make an appointment with a doctor and let them know about their history of smoking marijuana.
Behavioral changes include taking hot baths and prolonged showers more frequently than usual, as they are used to ease up some manifestations.
Phases of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
CHS symptoms occur and recede gradually. Understanding the development of this condition is crucial for taking steps toward mitigating health risks. The cannabis use disorder is characterized by three phases:
- Prodromal phase: It typically occurs if a person has been using marijuana since their teenage years. Such patients may experience stomach pain in the morning and have an urge to throw up, even though they are able to eat regularly and suppress retching.
- Hyperemetic phase: Lasting 1-2 days, it involves severe nausea and dehydration. Unless a patient stops using marijuana, the symptoms will continue to occur.
- Recovery: When a patient gets admitted to a hospital or decides to embrace a healthy lifestyle, they start moving toward recuperation.
Achieving remission requires changing behavioral patterns and adjusting the lifestyle to avoid possible relapses. Understanding the stages of the rehabilitation process is a prerequisite to improving health outcomes.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Once a patient has stopped smoking marijuana, they can make the first steps toward remission. Using a small sample of 8 patients, researchers confirmed that four of the five people who refrained from using weed have stayed drug-free. However, one of them later relapsed and continued to smoke weed, after which the health issues resumed. The study demonstrated the importance of conducting in-depth research on the CHS cases to discover the conditions necessary for staying in the remission phase.
After stopping smoking weed, most people report the disappearance of all signs of discomfort in a few weeks. Nausea eases up in a few days. As no reliable test has been developed to diagnose a person with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, people with health problems should make an appointment with a doctor to undergo a physical examination. Most drug users contact healthcare specialists during the hyperemetic phase, so some of them have to stay at a hospital to undergo the following treatment:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids in cases of severe dehydration;
- Medications to stop vomiting;
- Pain relievers;
- Pills to decrease stomach inflammation.
After stopping smoking marijuana and easing up cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms, a patient needs to enroll in a rehabilitation program to ensure long-term remission. Even though they will start to feel better in a month, full recovery requires changing a lifestyle and embracing new healthy habits.
Undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also demonstrated its effectiveness. It typically takes 6-20 sessions to develop a more adaptive way of thinking. However, achieving sustainable results in the long term necessitates changing the environment.
This can be a difficult journey, but you don’t have to go it alone. Let us be your guide and provide you the environment needed to regain control of your life and begin the path to recovery.
On the Way to Self-Empowerment
The transition to full health is a long and arduous process, requiring a person to take responsibility for their health. After stopping to utilize cannabis, it is crucial to avoid people hindering sustained remission. Most drug abusers who want to recuperate follow these steps:
- Get medical advice and professional psychological assistance: Setting your mind on finding the best treatment involves finding a trusted healthcare provider and combining prescribed medications with CBT sessions to improve your health outcomes.
- Change the surroundings: It might be a laborious task to fully change your ways, especially if you continue to communicate with people embracing unhealthy behavior patterns.
- Discover inner strengths: Achieving sustainable results requires forgetting about home remedies and finding the motivation to improve your life.
However, when all the steps are made, the remission risk is still high. At EcoSoberHouses, we understand the importance of transforming a person’s environment to change destructive thought patterns. Minimizing the risk of relapse becomes possible only in a safe situation.
If you suffer from the substance abuse effects and want to ensure that you will be surrounded by a community sharing your aspirations when you go through the remission stage, EcoSoberHouses is what you need.
Our clients appreciate an opportunity to live in secure housing, facilitating their return to a healthy life free of relapses. Recognizing the need of our customers to rediscover their inner will to transform their habits, we strive to satisfy their immediate needs.
Our housing program offers a haven to those who wholeheartedly strive to change their ways. You can benefit from the encouragement of your peers who understand the pivotal role a supportive community plays in the healing process. Contact us now anonymously and discover how to benefit from our services.
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