Marijuana is often viewed solely as a harmless or medicinal substance. But in reality, the use of the drug can negatively impact your health in a number of ways. If you use marijuana frequently, you can get addicted to it. That’s especially true if you started using the drug before reaching adulthood. If you’re addicted or suffer from impairing marijuana use, a marijuana treatment program can help you break unhealthy habits and regain control of your life. Quitting marijuana can also help you if you’re affected by cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
What Is CHS in Addiction?
Doctors use this term for severe, recurring vomiting associated with chronic, long-term marijuana use. You don’t have to be addicted to marijuana to develop the syndrome. However, it’s often associated with severe cases of addiction.
People with CHS are afflicted with excessive vomit production and nausea. The condition can cause you to vomit as many as five times in just an hour. You may be able to tell in advance that vomiting is about to occur. However, many times, no advanced warning signs appear.
Additional potential symptoms of CHS include:
- Nonspecific pain in your abdomen
- Dehydration
- Unexplained weight loss
Over time, the syndrome can trigger serious side effects. Possible effects include severe dehydration and clinical malnutrition. They also include tooth decay, torn tissue, and inflammation in your esophagus.
What Causes CHS?
No one knows for sure why some long-term marijuana users develop CHS. Researchers believe that the syndrome may be at least partly genetic. In addition, it may be a result of repeatedly activating your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system consists of a series of receptors located on the surfaces of your nerves. These receptors allow the active ingredients in marijuana to reach your brain.
In most cases, CHS only begins after marijuana use has gone on for years. You have elevated risks for the syndrome if you:
- Use marijuana or any other cannabis product one or more times per week
- Began using cannabis while you were still a teenager
However, any long-term user of cannabis may be affected.
Treating CHS and Addiction
Some people with CHS instinctively try to relieve their symptoms by taking hot baths or showers. However, this is only a temporary measure. In addition, it can worsen the effects of CHS-related dehydration. The only way to truly stop the syndrome from occurring is to halt your cannabis use.
Quitting marijuana may be a straightforward step if you don’t have a cannabis use disorder. However, if you’re addicted to marijuana, you face a more significant challenge. More than 14 million Americans are affected by this form of addiction or by severe non-addicted marijuana abuse.
Treating CHS and addiction go hand in hand. Psychotherapy is the modern treatment of choice for anyone with cannabis use disorder. One widely used option is cognitive-behavioral therapy. You may also benefit from something called contingency management, which helps you achieve rewards the longer you stay sober. Motivational enhancement therapy is a third option for treating marijuana addiction. Your recovery plan may include any combination of these therapies. It may also have other therapy options.
Seek Help for CHS and Addiction at Northpoint Colorado
CHS is a severe symptom of long-term marijuana use and can lead to other severe physical side effects. You don’t have to be addicted to marijuana to develop CHS. However, the two issues frequently overlap.
Need help with marijuana addiction? Talk to the treatment specialists at Northpoint Colorado. We provide customized care for anyone affected by this condition. With our help, you can overcome your addiction and finally halt the effects of CHS. Call us today at 888.231.1281 or complete our online form for more information.