A lot of individuals that routinely use marijuana develop cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) after several years of use. This condition used to be rare; however, changes in state laws regarding marijuana use have caused a flare-up in the number of individuals being diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, over 2.7 million Americans now suffer from CHS.
What is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?
CHS is a condition that leads to severe bouts or vomiting that can repeat uncontrollably. Individuals that use marijuana daily are more likely to experience this syndrome as their repeated use causes changes in the digestive tract that can negatively impact their overall health.
As a person uses marijuana, molecules in the digestive track bind to THC and other particles in the marijuana, which can impact how long it takes for the stomach to empty. Additionally, the function of the area known as the esophageal sphincter, which is a band of muscles that opens and closes to allow food to pass through the esophagus to the stomach, can be altered so the body loses control over its function.
During the early stages of CHS, individuals are more likely to suffer from nausea and vomiting during the early morning hours. People are generally able to continue eating in the same manner to which they are accustomed to without any major impacts.
At this point, individuals feel using more marijuana will lessen their nausea, so they often increase how much they use. As the condition progresses, individuals pass into the hyperemetic phase and often experience more severe side effects like:
– Continual and ongoing nausea
– Repeated and often severe episodes of vomiting
– Increase in abdominal pain
– Dehydration
– Decreased appetite and weight loss
These symptoms can continue until individuals stop using marijuana and can lead to severe long-term side effects. If left untreated, individuals can suffer from:
– Cerebral edema (swelling of the brain)
– Muscle spasms
– Muscle weakness
– Kidney failure
– Cardiac abnormalities
– Seizures
– Shock
The only way to ensure you do not suffer from the long-term effects of CHS is to discontinue using marijuana as soon as possible. Although some users report hot showers being a helpful treatment option for the condition, it does not eliminate it entirely nor does it prevent reoccurrences in the future.
It is important that you take the steps necessary to rid your system of any harmful substances. At Asana Recovery, we have an exceptional detox program that allows individuals to detox their system under 24-hour supervision of trained professionals. Sometimes individuals find medication-assisted drug rehab a more pleasant experience, but this is highly dependent upon the substance being abused.
An exceptional therapy schedule goes a long way in ensuring you do not experience repeat CHS in the future. It is important to get to the root of your marijuana use and find healthy and safe alternatives to this activity.
If you or someone you know suffers from marijuana use disorder or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, call us today at (949) 438-4504 to get help today.