Have you experienced severe nausea and vomiting after heavy cannabis use? You may be suffering from Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition affecting up to 6% of frequent marijuana users. While many assume cannabis is harmless, CHS highlights the potential for addiction and adverse health effects. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health, we understand the complexities of cannabis use disorder and offer comprehensive treatment options. From therapy and sober living environments to detox services and various outpatient treatments, we provide the support you need to overcome addiction and reclaim your health. Recognizing CHS symptoms is the first step toward recovery and a cannabis-free lifestyle. Take the first step toward recovery and contact us at (717) 882-5989 today.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome?
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a rare but potentially serious condition caused by long-term, frequent cannabis use. It leads to cyclical episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear years after regular cannabis consumption or marijuana addiction, especially in those using it weekly since adolescence.
Causes & Symptoms
The exact cause is unknown, but CHS is believed to result from overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This dysregulates the body’s control over nausea and vomiting. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting, sometimes hourly
- Intense abdominal pain
- Increased anxiety
Diagnosis & Treatment
CHS is diagnosed based on a history of prolonged cannabis use, cyclical vomiting patterns, and symptom resolution after cannabis cessation. Treatment involves stopping cannabis use completely, managing symptoms like dehydration and pain, and ruling out other conditions. Prognosis is good if caught early, but complications like electrolyte imbalances or malnutrition can occur without treatment.
Symptoms of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
Cyclic Symptom Phases
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) progresses through distinct symptom phases. The prodromal phase involves early morning nausea and abdominal discomfort, where patients may increase cannabis use to curb symptoms.
This leads to the hyperemetic phase, characterized by severe, reoccurring nausea and vomiting up to five times hourly. Intense abdominal pain known as “scromiting” – a combination of screaming and vomiting – is common.
Compulsive Hot Bathing
A key symptom is compulsively taking hot showers or baths to temporarily relieve nausea and vomiting during hyperemetic episodes. Patients often bathe for hours daily to manage overwhelming symptoms.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms include dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, decreased appetite, and weight loss from the inability to keep food down. This can also lead to periods of depression when struggling with this worry and pain. Anxiety about vomiting is reported, along with a general fear of nausea during prodromal and recovery phases.
Diagnosing Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Recognizing the Pattern
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is diagnosed based on a characteristic pattern of symptoms in long-term, frequent cannabis users. Healthcare providers look for a history of severe, cyclic episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that find temporary relief with hot showers or baths. Persistent cannabis use or addiction for over a year is another key criteria.
Ruling Out Other Causes
To confirm a CHS diagnosis, other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out through tests like blood work, urinalysis, imaging scans, and endoscopy. Conditions like gastritis, food poisoning, pregnancy complications, and infections need to be excluded.
Importance of Honesty
Patients must be upfront about their cannabis use history, as honesty is crucial for an accurate CHS diagnosis. Details like frequency, amounts used, timing of symptoms in relation to use, weight changes, and periods of abstinence can aid diagnosis. Urine drug screens may confirm ongoing or recent cannabis cessation.
Treating Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
Discontinue Cannabis Use
The primary treatment for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is discontinuing cannabis use completely. According to a study, CHS typically affects long-term, heavy cannabis users consuming it 3-5 times daily for several years. With abstinence, symptoms usually resolve within days to weeks. Sober living environments can help one to abstain from cannabis use.
Symptom Management
While discontinuing cannabis, symptom management focuses on relieving nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Hot showers or baths seem to provide relief by potentially altering the thermoregulatory system involved in CHS. Anti-emetic medications like metoclopramide or ondansetron can control nausea and vomiting.
Comprehensive Treatment
Beyond symptom management, comprehensive treatment should address the underlying cannabis use disorder. With over 30% of regular cannabis users developing some form of dependence, seeking professional help is crucial. Counseling and behavioral therapies can help individuals overcome addiction and prevent relapse. Support groups like Marijuana Anonymous provide community-based recovery programs.
Treatment at Bold Steps
At Bold Steps, we offer comprehensive and personalized treatment programs to help individuals overcome cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and addiction. Our evidence-based approach combines various therapies and modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Holistic Treatment
Our multidisciplinary team of doctors, therapists, and counselors work together to create an individualized treatment plan. This holistic approach addresses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Key components include:
- Detoxification and medication management
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Life skills training and wellness activities
- (CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing)
Continuum of Care
We offer a range of programs to support clients through every stage of recovery, including:
- Residential treatment: Intensive, round-the-clock care in a structured, sober environment.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Structured daytime treatment with evenings at home.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible scheduling for therapy sessions while living independently.
- Outpatient treatment: Ongoing counseling and support for relapse prevention.
Aftercare Planning
Our goal is to equip clients with the tools for long-term sobriety. Before discharge, we collaborate with each individual to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan, which may include sober living arrangements, 12-step programs, alumni support services, and referrals to community resources.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome: FAQ
What causes CHS?
Long-term and frequent cannabis use, especially from adolescence, is the primary risk factor for developing Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). The exact mechanism is unknown, but experts believe chronic overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system in the brain and digestive tract may play a role.
Common symptoms
Persistent nausea, severe vomiting episodes, abdominal pain/cramping, and weight loss are hallmark symptoms of CHS. Episodes often last 24-48 hours and may be temporarily relieved by hot showers or baths. Symptoms typically appear years after regular cannabis use and occur in a cyclical pattern.
Diagnosis & treatment
CHS is diagnosed based on symptoms, history of long-term cannabis use, and ruling out other conditions. Treatment involves immediately stopping cannabis, managing dehydration/electrolyte imbalances, anti-nausea medications, and sometimes hospitalization. Symptoms resolve within days to weeks of cannabis cessation.
Conclusion
As you navigate the challenges of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and addiction, remember that recovery is possible. Bold Steps Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive range of treatment options tailored to your needs, including 12-step programs, sober living arrangements, detox services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient treatments. By taking the first step towards recovery, you can regain control of your life and health. Take the first step toward recovery and contact us at (717) 882-5989 today. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support – a brighter, cannabis-free future awaits you.
