Scromiting: What It Is, Causes, and How to Treat It

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Have You Heard About Scromiting? In recent years, it feels as though our society has entered a very “pot positive” era. With widespread legalization across many states — and frequent public discourse about its virtues as a pain reliever — it seems like cannabis is everywhere these days. However, like all drugs, this one is not without its side effects. One of the most alarming conditions caused by long-term cannabis use is called “scromiting”. A combination of the words “screaming” and “vomiting”, it’s an informal way to refer to a chronic condition technically called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Those who suffer from CHS are prone to bouts of severe nausea and vomiting, which runs counter to the very popular narrative of cannabis constantly being suggested as an antidote for nausea. Frequent cannabis users must be made aware of this condition, as it not often discussed in cannabis communities. In fact, some medical professionals do not even appear to be aware of it.

What Exactly is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)?

For casual users of marijuana, CHS is probably not going to be an issue. This is a condition that tends to arise in those who are more likely daily or chronic users of cannabis products. Researchers have noted that the higher the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels of the products being used are, the more likely a person is going to develop CHS. This is one of the reasons why many people do not recognize CHS; this condition is linked to a more sophisticated cannabis culture than we had in the past. In the “hippie” days of marijuana, for example, the THC levels hovered around 2%. Nowadays, many chronic users of marijuana are indulging in products that contain up to 20% THC.

Our bodies are not designed to handle this much TCH on a long-term basis. In addition to your digestion being impacted, you may also may find that you’re struggling to maintain a positive mood. Meanwhile, you may discover that the one thing that used to help you with any minor nausea — cannabis — is now a major cause of much worse nausea. In a culture that has been so amped up about the positive benefits of cannabis during recent years, this can be a difficult cycle to diagnose and treat.

What’s a Weird Way to Know You Might Have CHS?

If you are a chronic user who’s been struggling with gastrointestinal issues, do your symptoms radically improve when you take a hot bath or hot shower? This is a telltale sign that you may have CHS.

What Are the Symptoms I Might See If I Have CHS?

It’s worth noting that CHS (Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome) is a condition that tends to worsen over time. The following symptoms of CHS, which can increase in severity, may indicate the presence of this condition:

• Persistent nausea that doesn’t ever go away.
• Cyclic vomiting episodes, where cycles of severe vomiting can last for days, potentially leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even malnutrition if prolonged.
• Abdominal discomfort or cramps in your abdomen, which can be quite painful. This abdominal pain can sometimes be severe.

These symptoms of CHS can lead to further health complications, including weight loss due to persistent vomiting and an inability to keep food down. The repeated vomiting can also irritate the esophagus. Overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system is believed to be a contributing factor to these uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.

CHS Causes and Risk Factors: How Does CHS Actually Affect Your Body?

Again, it’s heavy usage of the THC products with high potency that is going to trigger this condition. As we know, THC interacts with receptors that are in the digestive system and the brain. For those who use the drug occasionally to relieve symptoms of chemotherapy treatment, for example, this usually results in a positive experience. They often speak highly of their experience of having their nausea alleviated. When a person is using these powerful products on a chronic and consistent basis for recreational use, however, the receptors can become scrambled and start to work in the opposite direction — actually causing nausea.

Adolescents and Heavy Users Are at a Greater Risk

In our society, it has become fairly common for young adults — and often adolescents — to experiment with cannabis products. For adolescents whose brains are still forming, though, this kind of experimentation can be very bad — and it can lead to developing CHS quickly. With the massive campaign to legalize marijuana — and the growing number of weed shops popping up all around the country — there has never been so many cannabis products tempting young people. We are truly in uncharted territory, and we are not truly aware of the long-term effects of exposure to these high-potency products.

The Three Main Phases of CHS

• Prodomal: This phase of the condition is extremely misleading, because it can convince users that they need to consume more THC to get rid of the growing nausea and loss of appetite that they experience. A general feeling of discomfort will often accompany this phase as well.
• Hyperemetic: This is the stage that often causes users to finally go to their doctors. Extreme bouts of vomiting will combine with stomach pain to create a situation that is often unmanageable without intervention.
• Recovery: If a cannabis user stops this chronic habit, they will often go on to live a normal and healthy life. If, however, they start to use marijuana again, they may be surprised by just how quickly the CHS symptoms flare up this time around. In the recovery phase, abstinence from using is probably the best plan of action.

Why Is CHS So Often Misdiagnosed?

Unfortunately, this condition mimics the symptoms of so many other diseases that are extremely common in our culture. Healthcare providers often don’t have CHS on their radar in the same way that they have more common issues. Also, many are not aware of just how prevalent — and readily available — high-potency cannabis products have become, especially among marijuana users and those with long-term use of cannabis. For those seeking treatment, it is imperative to avoid the “shame game” and just be honest with your physician about the symptoms you are experiencing — and your chronic use of cannabis or marijuana use. This may be the only way to ensure that you are treated properly. A thorough medical history, including any mental health concerns, is crucial.

Medical Treatment Options

The first thing you must do is stop using weed or other cannabis products that are causing your body so much pain and confusion. The next step will be to consult with your medical team as to whether or not you might need some stopgaps like an IV — for acute dehydration — or some anti-nausea medication to get you feeling better. Severe cases may require a visit to emergency rooms. In the meantime, figure out a long-term plan for your treatment. Work with loved ones and medical professionals to get your life back on track — you will be so pleased that you did. Some individuals may benefit from substance use treatment or detox services.

How Can Long Island Treatment Center Help?

With a dedicated staff that strives to provide real-world solutions — and customized, tailor-made plans on a daily basis — Long Island Treatment Center can help you on whatever portion of the CHS journey you are experiencing. Whether you’re seeking inpatient or outpatient treatment, the staff’s extremely high level of care will keep you on track as you explore a new life that is free of nausea and the other complications of CHS.

The Link Between THC and Depression

It’s important to note that THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, has a way of worsening the symptoms that users attempt to alleviate. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or even, in rare cases, psychosis or schizophrenia you are dealing with, it’s so much better to seek the help of professionals than to rely on a substance that may only be compounding your issues in the long run. The prodromal phase of CHS might involve increased cannabis use to combat nausea, which ironically worsens the condition. Although it can be tough to escape this cycle, you will be so thrilled when you are truly free of CHS — and of the underlying issues that caused you to seek relief in the first place. In many ways, this will be a new lease on life. Let today bring about the first step in an amazing new journey that prioritizes your well-being and happiness above a temporary high.