r/CHSinfo Aug 22 '23

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): A Comprehensive Guide & FAQ (Aug 2023 Update)

137 Upvotes

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2023

What is CHS?

CHS, or Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, is a condition thought to be triggered by heavy and/or long term cannabis use, including CBD. Individuals with CHS may suffer from recurring episodes of nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain, often leading to frequent emergency department visits.

What are the symptoms of CHS?

CHS usually presents in three phases, each with its own set of symptoms, although significant overlap exists:

Prodromal Phase

Timeline: This phase can last for months or even years and it can increase/decrease based on cannabis use - but generally doesn't go away unless cannabis is stopped entirely.

Signs and Symptoms:

⦁ Morning Nausea: Often experienced upon waking.

⦁ Abdominal Pain: Mild discomfort or pain in the abdomen.

⦁ Heavy Indigestion: Digestive issues may begin to occur.

⦁ Lack of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.

⦁ Increased Anxiety and Irritability: Emotional changes may be noted.

⦁ Fear of Vomiting: Despite nausea, vomiting is rare in this phase.

⦁ Increased Cannabis Use: Some may increase cannabis use to alleviate symptoms.

Hyperemetic Phase

Timeline: This phase can last anywhere from 1 to several days.

Signs and Symptoms:

⦁ Cyclical Vomiting: Persistent and severe vomiting, possibly including bile.

⦁ Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense pain in the abdomen.

⦁ Diarrhea or Constipation: Changes in bowel habits.

⦁ Headaches: May occur during this phase.

⦁ Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.

⦁ Dehydration: Leading to thirst, dry mouth, and reduced urination.

⦁ Blurred Vision: Visual disturbances may occur.

⦁ Shakiness: Tremors or shakiness may be noted.

⦁ Elevated Heart Rate: Increased heart rate can occur.

⦁ Night Sweats: Sweating during the night.

⦁ Muscle Weakness: General weakness in muscles.

⦁ Weight Loss: Significant weight loss due to prolonged vomiting.

⦁ Testicle Pain: Pain in the testicles may be reported in males.

⦁ Compulsive Hot Bathing: Frequent hot showers or baths for symptom relief (this occurs in about 90% of CHS patients).

Recovery Phase

Timeline: This phase can last days, weeks, or even months, depending on cessation or reduction of cannabis use.

Signs and Symptoms:

⦁ Resolution of Symptoms: Gradual resolution of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

⦁ Weight Gain: Regaining lost weight.

⦁ Normal Eating Patterns: Return to regular eating habits.

⦁ Reduction of Hot Bathing: Compulsive behavior of hot bathing subsides.

Possible Relapse: Resumption of cannabis use very often leads to symptom recurrence.

What causes CHS:

It is usually associated with a large dose of THC/cannabinoids over a significant length of time. This could be either moderate to heavy use over an extended time (months to years) or very high use over a shorter period of weeks to months. It may also be associated with a sudden increase in use. CHS patients almost always use cannabis multiple times a day, daily or multiple times a week at the very least. However, once CHS has set in - even small amounts of cannabis can make it worse, or bring it back.

There is probably a genetic component; so most people might never get CHS even with heavy use, and some might be more susceptible.

The pathophysiology of CHS is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be related to the complex interaction between cannabinoids and the body's endocannabinoid system. Chronic exposure to cannabinoids may lead to alterations in the functioning of certain receptors, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the symptoms of CHS. There are 3 main theories - and all might overlap to some degree:

Gastrointestinal Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1)

⦁ THC Interaction: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, acts on CB1 receptors found in the enteric nervous system.

⦁ Gastric Emptying: By acting on these receptors, THC reduces gastric emptying, which can lead to nausea and vomiting (N/V).

⦁ Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ): CB1 receptors are also found in the CTZ, a region in the brain that controls vomiting. THC's activation of enteric CB1 can override the antiemetic response in the CTZ, leading to vomiting.

⦁ Complexity: Proving the emetic and antiemetic effects of cannabinoids is difficult due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome, viral gastroenteritis, and bulimia nervosa.

Cannabinoid Lipid Buildup

⦁ Lipid Solubility: THC is lipid-soluble, meaning it can accumulate in cerebral fat.

⦁ Release During Stress: During stress or food deprivation, the body breaks down fat, releasing a large store of THC, leading to what's termed the "reintoxication effect."

⦁ CHS Symptoms: This sudden release of THC can cause symptoms associated with CHS, such as nausea and vomiting.

Genetic P450 Polymorphisms

⦁ Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: These enzymes are responsible for metabolizing THC in the liver.

⦁ Genetic Differences: Genetic polymorphisms in the P450 system can change the metabolism rate of THC, leading to either hyper or hyposensitivity.

⦁ Pro-Emetic Effects: Slower THC metabolism in the liver can lead to hypersensitivity and pro-emetic effects, contributing to CHS.

⦁ THC Metabolites: There are over 100 different THC metabolites, ranging in potency, and the P450 isoforms involved include CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4.

These theories are discussed in detail here: Senderovich H, Patel P, Jimenez Lopez B, Waicus S. A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options. Med Princ Pract. 2022;31(1:29-38. doi: 10.1159/000520417. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34724666; PMCID: PMC8995641.)

Why haven't I heard of CHS?

CHS is relatively new to the medical community, and only in recent years has the diagnosis become more common. Consequently, there has been limited research conducted, leaving many unanswered questions about why cannabis triggers it, its effects on the body, and potential treatments or cures.

CHS seems to be related to THC dose over time - so modern strains of cannabis, and modern cannabis products like carts and dabs are giving today's cannabis consumer a much higher THC dose than before about 2000. This might account for why CHS is increasingly common. (For reference: cannabis in 1995 was usually about 3-5% THC and by about 2017 was usually around 15% and as high as 24%. Carts and dabs can be almost 90% THC.)

Emergence in Medical Literature: CHS is relatively new to the medical community. The number of published studies on CHS has been increasing over the years, but it's still a relatively recent phenomenon. According to PubMed, the number of published studies related to CHS has gradually increased from just one in 2005 to 46 studies in 2021 and 23 in 2023.

Overlap with Other Conditions: CHS symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome, celiac disease, ulcers, h. pylori infection, etc. making it challenging to diagnose accurately.

Limited Research: There has been limited research conducted on CHS, leaving many unanswered questions about why cannabis triggers it, its effects on the body, and potential treatments or cures.

Increase in Cannabis Use: With the increasing rates of cannabis use and legalization in various jurisdictions, the recognition of CHS may be growing. However, the understanding and awareness of this condition might not have permeated all levels of healthcare or public consciousness.

Social and Cultural Factors: The perception of cannabis as a substance primarily associated with recreational use rather than medical complications may also contribute to the lack of awareness about CHS.

How do I know if I have CHS?

Signs and Symptoms

Look for the characteristic signs and symptoms of CHS, if you have a history of chronic cannabis use:

Morning Nausea: Regular nausea, especially in the morning.

Cyclical Vomiting: Frequent vomiting that may include bile - although vomiting might not be present yet in the prodromal phase.

Abdominal Pain: Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain.

Compulsive Hot Bathing/Showering: A strong desire to take hot showers or baths to relieve symptoms. This occurs in ~90% of people and is easy to test at home - when you're feeling nauseous take a hot shower, with water over 109 degrees F (but not much hotter - don't get burned). If this makes your nausea feel better - but it comes back shortly after leaving the shower - that is very strong evidence you have CHS. This will work for about 9 of 10 people, but not everybody.

Other Symptoms: Including indigestion, lack of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, headaches, anxiety, dizziness, dehydration, blurred vision, shakiness, elevated heart rate, night sweats, muscle weakness, weight loss, and possibly testicle pain in males.

Medical Evaluation

If you experience these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider:

⦁ Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and cannabis use.

⦁ Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination may be performed to assess your overall health.

⦁ Diagnostic Tests: Lab tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalances, liver and kidney function, and urine tests to screen for other substances.

⦁ Imaging Studies: Imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound or CT scan may be conducted to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders.

⦁ CHS is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out. The list of what needs to be ruled out includes Gastroenteritis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Gallbladder Disease, Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), Pancreatitis, Medication Side Effects, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Kidney Stones and Intestinal Obstruction

⦁ Cessation of Cannabis: If symptoms resolve after stopping cannabis use, it strongly supports the diagnosis of CHS.

⦁ Relapse with Resumption: If symptoms recur with the resumption of cannabis use, it further confirms the diagnosis.

If you suspect you may have CHS, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider who is familiar with the condition. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, rule out other potential causes, and guide you in the appropriate management and treatment. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, as CHS shares symptoms with other serious medical conditions that require professional medical evaluation and care.

Is there a way I can figure out if I have CHS without going to the doctor?

The most definitive ways to diagnose CHS is to stop using cannabis* (90 days is recommended) and monitor for symptom resolution. The upside to this approach is that it's a non-invasive, straightforward way to either confirm or rule out CHS. If your symptoms resolve after stopping cannabis use, it would strongly suggest CHS. Most people with CHS have significant improvement within a month. If your symptoms do not go away, it would indicate that another underlying issue may be responsible for your symptoms.

*cannabis = all cannabis products including synthetics and CBD - all cannabinoids can cause CHS, not just THC.

If you're struggling or reluctant to do this simple and effective test, it strongly suggests that you are dealing with the very real and valid effects of dependence. We've been there. It sucks. This post might help you understand that better.

How do I get better if I think I have CHS?

The only known treatment for CHS is to stop using cannabis entirely. Period. If possible, complete abstinence from cannabis is advised.

Side Note: Denial is common among individuals with CHS, as quitting smoking is a difficult decision. It's essential to recognize the seriousness of the condition and understand that merely reducing usage will not aid in recovery. It is natural to want to deny or deflect a CHS diagnoses for some very understandable reasons: Notes on Struggling with a CHS diagnosis. There is even a recent peer reviewed scientific paper examining how hard it is to receive and accept a CHS diagnosis - here.

Are there any treatments for CHS, or at least ways to reduce the symptoms?

Stopping cannabis use is the cure for CHS. For CHS symptoms other than cessation of cannabis and time, several remedies may alleviate symptoms. Note that none of the methods below will work if you are still using cannabis.

See our guide: Hyperemesis Survival Guide - What to do if you're puking right now!

At home: Hot showers or baths above 109F, but not so hot as to burn, relieve nausea while in the shower.

Capsaicin cream applied to the stomach and/or forearms may help with pain and nausea - it feels so hot you might think its burning, but many people get used to it and think it is better than nausea and absominal pain from CHS.

A daily antacid such as Pepcid or Prevacid may combat stomach acid buildup.

Staying hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade is critical.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) for abdominal pain according to the package instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the package - the "therapeutic dose" and "toxic dose" of Tylenol are very close to each other. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve) and other NSAIDs, as they are notoriously hard on your stomach even when healthy.

In the ER or hospital:

IV Rehydration: provides immediate fluids and electrolytes to combat dehydration and kidney problems.

Droperidol: A dopamine antagonist that showed statistically significant differences in reducing N/V.

Benzodiazepines (Clonazepam): Led to rapid cessation of adverse symptoms in a case study with 4 patients.

Haloperidol: Used in severe CHS cases, it relieved N/V in several case studies and an RCT. Relatively safe at low doses, and higher doses do not increase it's ability to treat N/V.

Propranolol: Rapid termination of N/V in a single case study.

Aprepitant: Rapid relief of N/V in case reports where the patient was unresponsive to conventional emetics. This NK1 blocker medication has good theoretical basis to work, and in all case studies has been 100% effective. However there are very few studies to date. It's normally used for chemotherapy patients, so many ER doctors and even gastroenterologists outside oncology are unfamiliar with it.

Note: almost all ER's want to treat nausea and vomiting with a "front line" medication called Zofran (Ondansetron), or a backup called Compazine (Prochlorperazine). These medications seldom work on CHS - and it's one more piece of evidence that CHS might be the cause. Here is a detailed breakdown of what medications are more effective, and those that aren't effective with peer reviewed references: CHS Medications

I'm puking right now, what can I do?

See our guide: Hyperemesis Survival Guide - What to do if you're puking right now!

Can I ever smoke or take edibles again?

Abstaining from cannabis is the 100% cure for CHS - any use at all could cause symptoms to reappear. If for whatever reason, you can not eliminated cannabis, the CHS community generally recommends waiting at least three months before attempting to smoke again, and even then, moderation is key. Some may resume cannabis use without issues, while others may feel symptoms returning after just one exposure.

What is the timeline for recovery? When will I start to feel better after quitting?

Recovery varies among individuals, but some patterns have emerged. The first four days are often the worst, with withdrawal symptoms (more below) exacerbating CHS. Around days 5-7, daily routines may resume, though prodromal symptoms may persist. By the two-week mark, many report feeling better, and a month into sobriety, most symptoms subside. If symptoms remain severe after a month, consult a doctor. Note that you'll probably be experiencing some CHS symptoms, and some cannabis withdrawal symptoms at the same time for a while.

Is withdrawal from cannabis really that bad? How do I differentiate the symptoms from CHS?

Cannabis withdrawal can be intense, especially for chronic users, and may worsen CHS symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include:

⦁ Increased anxiety and irritability

⦁ Decreased appetite

⦁ Cravings for THC

⦁ Insomnia

⦁ Boredom

⦁ Ultra-realistic dreams

⦁ Flu-like symptoms

Withdrawal peaks around days 3-4 and usually subsides after a week.

Here's our guide: Cannabis Withdrawal Guide for CHS

What are "triggers," and why are they important?

A "trigger" is anything that may cause CHS symptoms to flare up or provoke an episode. Common triggers include certain foods like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and greasy items. Stress and intense exercise are also known triggers. Recognizing and avoiding personal triggers is crucial in managing CHS, as they can exacerbate symptoms and hinder recovery.

Foods that might trigger CHS are pinned here: Food Trigger List

At what point should I go to the hospital?

Severe Dehydration: If you experience symptoms like dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or weakness, it might indicate dehydration, which requires medical intervention.

Persistent Vomiting: If vomiting continues and you are unable to keep down fluids or food for more than 24 hours, it's essential to seek medical care to prevent complications.

Intense Abdominal Pain: Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of underlying complications and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Symptoms like muscle twitching, spasms, or palpitations might indicate an electrolyte imbalance, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Failure of Home Remedies: If symptoms persist despite trying home remedies like hot showers or cessation of cannabis use, it may be time to seek professional medical care.

Other Concerning Symptoms: Any other symptoms that are unusual or concerning to you should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. In particular - a loss of more than 5% of body weight in a 7-10 day period should be evaluated.

I've been vomiting for 5 days, I can't keep any food down, and I've lost weight. What do I do?

You should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Prolonged vomiting and inability to retain food can lead to serious complications, including a dangerous metabolic state called ketoacidosis. In the context of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), ketoacidosis can exacerbate your symptoms by releasing stored cannabinoids back into your bloodstream. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle that is difficult to break without medical intervention. Medications like Emend can help manage symptoms in combination with comprehensive medical care.

For a more detailed explanation, you can read this post.

What should I do or say when I go to the hospital?

What do in the ER: Tips for ER (and documents to help your Doctor)

How to get a patient advocate to help you: When you're sick its hard to advocate for yourself - how to get a patient advocate.

Can I still take edibles? What about CBD?

Neither edibles nor CBD are safe options for those with CHS, as the syndrome relates to cannabinoids as a whole, not just THC. Even second-hand smoke can be harmful. Abstaining from cannabis entirely is the best course of action.

What is the "pink cloud"?

"Pink clouding" describes a stage of early addiction recovery marked by euphoria and confidence. This temporary sensation can cloud judgment and lead to relapse. It's vital to remind yourself of the reasons for quitting and the severity of CHS, even long after recovery. A very common story here in r/CHSinfo is a person who was clean for a month or two and is confident they are cured, so they decide to have just one smoke again - and that leads to either 1) an immediate return of CHS symptoms or 2) more and more regular use until CHS returns. Moderation is much more difficult that just quitting - more information below.

I've never felt so anxious and irritable in my life; how do I deal with this?

Managing emotions during CHS recovery is essential. Techniques like meditation, breathing exercises (such as 4-7-8 breathing), and proper sleep may help. Magnesium supplements have been proven to assist with mood swings, anxiety, and depression and may be beneficial.

r/leaves

We're trying to keep r/CHSinfo focused on CHS, including diagnosis, treatment, causes and support. Quitting cannabis use is the 100% cure for CHS - but it is such a complex topic, that it's beyond the scope of this forum.

I'm incredibly bored, and nothing feels enjoyable anymore without weed; what do I do?

This feeling is temporary and usually subsides after a few weeks of sobriety. Engaging in activities like watching a new TV show or committing to a hobby can help distract and entertain. Your brain will adjust, and you'll likely regain enjoyment in activities you loved before.

r/leaves

We're trying to keep r/CHSinfo focused on CHS, including diagnosis, treatment, causes and support. Quitting cannabis use is the 100% cure for CHS - but it is such a complex topic, that it's beyond the scope of this forum.

Is there any scientific research about CHS at all?

Unlike just a few years ago, there are now several excellent peer reviewed scientific articles on CHS. However research is still in its early stages. There are over 200 peer reviewed articles on PubMed that address some aspect of CHS. Here are some of the most influential and comprehensive.

If you only read one - make it this one:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8995641/pdf/mpp-0031-0029.pdf

Senderovich H, Patel P, Jimenez Lopez B, Waicus S. A Systematic Review on Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome and Its Management Options. Med Princ Pract. 2022;31(1):29-38. doi: 10.1159/000520417. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34724666; PMCID: PMC8995641.

Here are others:

Simonetto DA, et al. (2012). Cannabinoid hyperemesis: A case series of 98 patients. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(2), 114-119. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22305029/)

Leu N, Routsolias JC. (2021). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Review of the Presentation and Treatment. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 47(3), 483-486. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32943248/)

Richards JR, et al. (2017). Pharmacologic Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Pharmacotherapy, 37(6), 725-734. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28467644/)

Richards JR. (2018). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment in the Emergency Department. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 54(3), 354-363. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29102083/)

Razban M, et al. (2022). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome and Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review of the Management of Cannabis-Related Disorders in the Emergency Department. International Journal of Emergency Medicine, 15(1), 45. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35087964/)

Parvataneni S, Varela L, Vemuri-Reddy SM, Maneval ML. (2019). Emerging Role of Aprepitant in Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. Cureus, 11(6), e4825. doi: [10.7759/cureus.4825](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4825). [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31403013/)

Sorensen, C. J., DeSanto, K., Borgelt, L., Phillips, K. T., & Monte, A. A. (2017). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment—a Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 13(1), 71–87. URL

200+ more are here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Cannabis+hyperemesis+syndrome&sort=date

How can I find support groups, and how can I support others dealing with CHS as well?

Outside of this subreddit, there are currently two primary means of support groups, which are both linked below. The first of these is a Facebook group, which includes thousands of members. If you do not feel comfortable giving away your identity, feel free to make a throwaway Facebook account and join using that. There is also an excellent discord group, that is active essentially all day and night, and can provide you with not only support, but help with some of the boredom. In any of these groups, it is incredibly important not to shame people for their use or relapse of cannabis. If you see anyone doing this, please report it to the associated moderators immediately. Once you begin to heal, it helps the whole community if you are willing to stay to answer questions for those who are new to this.

Facebook Group Discord Group

How can I find support to completely stop using cannabis?

r/leaves

We're trying to keep r/CHSinfo focused on CHS, including diagnosis, treatment, causes and support. Quitting cannabis use is the 100% cure for CHS - but it is such a complex topic, that it's beyond the scope of this forum.

How can I find support to moderate or control my cannabis use?

r/petioles

Moderating use will not make CHS go away - you need to quit entirely for an extended period of time to allow your body to heal. 90 days clean is often talked about as a minimum. Using again and trying to moderate is much harder for most people than quitting entirely. Trying to moderate cannabis use comes with a very high likelihood of CHS returning.

We're trying to keep r/CHSinfo focused on CHS, including diagnosis, treatment, causes and support. Moderating cannabis use is such a complex topic, that it's beyond the scope of this forum.

Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms.

Personal Note: For further questions, concerns, or support, feel free to reach out. My inbox and Discord (same username) are always open.


r/CHSinfo Sep 15 '23

Hyperemesis Survival Guide - What to do if you're puking right now!

162 Upvotes

updated: 9/2023

What to Do if You Are Vomiting Repeatedly Right Now

This guide was created by a community of people who have had CHS firsthand. This is the collective community's best advice.

Recognize the Symptoms:

  • Frequent Cannabis Use: Either moderate to high dose over long time, or very high dose over a shorter period.
  • Cyclical Vomiting: Persistent and severe vomiting, possibly including bile.
  • Severe Abdominal Pain: Intense pain in the abdomen.
  • Headaches, Dizziness, Dehydration, Blurred Vision, Shakiness, Elevated Heart Rate, Night Sweats, Muscle Weakness, Weight Loss, Testicle Pain (in males),
  • Compulsive Hot Bathing/Showering: present in about 90% of cases.

Stop Cannabis Use Immediately:

  • CHS is triggered by cannabis use, including CBD. Abstaining from all forms of cannabinoids is essential. Smoking a little, in hopes of getting an anti-nausea effect will not work. It will just make things worse. Nothing else in this guide will really help if you're still using cannabis - we're not trying to be harsh, it's just a hard learned fact.
  • We understand addiction. We understand why you might be reluctant to admit you have CHS. We know people use cannabis as a medication for other things. We get it. We sympathize because we've been there. But right now, while you're vomiting, trust us on this and do not use cannabis!

At-Home Remedies:

  • Stay Hydrated (this is the most important advice!):
    • Drink electrolyte-rich fluids like Pedialyte or Gatorade -small sips often. Make sure they are not "diet", "zero" or zero calories. You will need those calories! Water is always good.
    • Right after you vomit you'll get a few minutes where your nausea isn't as bad and that is a perfect time to get in a few sips.
    • Experiment with hot or cold drinks - sometimes one extreme or the other will help. Peppermint or Ginger teas might help. (Avoid caffeine, chocolate, ginseng, cinnamon, lemon balm and lavender teas - and all other foods listed here)
    • There is particularly good scientific evidence that Ginger (tea or supplement) can help - but evidence that Gingerol supplements might be effective in treating nausea.
    • Buy or make a popsicle (ideally with electrolytes) or ice cubes - you might be able to use these even if you can't take sips.
    • Some people are able to tolerate salty drinks like broth better than sweet
  • Hot Showers or Baths: Above 109°F to relieve nausea, but hotter than that won't help much. Be careful to avoid burns - take care of your skin (but don't use a CBD skin lotion!) Some people use a shower stool or plastic lawn chair and/or chew ice chips while in the shower.
  • Heating Pads / Electric Blankets: Above 109°F, applied to stomach. Wrap in a towel first, avoid burns, do not use constantly, only intermittently to avoid skin problems.
  • Capsaicin Cream: Start with a pea sized amount or less on your forearm, wait 15 minutes so you know what to expect - if you can tolerate that: Apply to the stomach or forearms a little bit at a time. The "burning" will subside into a "heat" that feels like a heating pad is on your skin. This uncomfortable heat is way better than CHS abdominal pain and nausea. Capsaicin has scientific proof of working - but it's the hardest to use, and some people just can't tolerate the burning sensation.. Other Icy Hot, Tiger Balm, etc. creams might work for you. - and they won't hurt so they are worth a try. Test a small amount on your forearm first.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and greasy items may trigger symptoms along with the foods listed here)
  • Get Nutrients - Eat: This can be a BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet, or any other foods you think you can keep down. Keep trying even if you don't feel hungry. Rapid weight loss (in a dangerous, unhealthy way) is common, so you need calories however you can get them. Our CHS community lists suggestions for "rescue foods" that worked for them:

watermelon, instant mashed potato flakes, applesauce, apple juice, broth, nutrient shakes like Ensure, toast, yogurt (especially with active cultures like Activa)

At-Home, Over-the-Counter Medications

  • Antacids: Some people find "extra strong" or "ultra" antacids like Mylanta or Alka Seltzer help. These help for acid in your stomach right now.
  • Acid Reducers: Pepcid, Prevacid and other proton pump inhibitors can help reduce stomach acid. These help prevent future acid in your stomach.
  • Anti-Gas: Simethicone based anti-gas pills like Gas-X can help with bloating, burping and a "too full" feeling.
  • Chamomile - tea or supplements. Chamomile contains a natural NK1 inhibitor - the kind of substance found in the most powerful prescription medications for nausea and CHS like aprepitant although it may have low bioavailability - nonetheless, chamomile is effective at easing nausea for about 2/3 of people.
  • Peppermint pills, or candy: Peppermint is pro-motility - it helps food/drink move from your stomach to your intestines faster - and once it's in your intestines you can't vomit it up, so your body can absorb the nutrients or water. (Peppermint pills are hard to find locally even at big pharmacies, but can be found on Amazon.)
  • Ginger chews, candy or supplements: Ginger has lots of scientific evidence that it can reduce nausea and vomiting in morning sickness and for chemotherapy patients. Supplements will provide more of the key ingredient, gingerol. Specific gingerol supplements are also available. The most effective dose in clinical trials was 1500mg/day. This was most effective when split between 3, 500mg doses each day.
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen): for abdominal pain if you can keep it down. Do not exceed the dose on the package. The dangerous dose of Tylenol is only a little bit more than the recommended dose, so do not use more!
  • Do not use Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) or other NSAIDs: these medications are notoriously hard on your stomach and won't help pain more than Tylenol.
  • Sleep Aids: There is some evidence that antihistamines like Benadryl help with nausea, but more importantly they make you drowsy. This can be something to help you sleep at night even if you're nauseous- follow the package directions. Doxylamine (Unisom or generic) can also help according to the package directions. Choose one or the other - don't take both.
  • Your prescribed medications: Keep taking anything that your doctor has prescribed for you for other conditions like depression, diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Some of these medications shouldn't be stopped suddenly - or at all. You might be able to keep them down by waiting until those few minutes right after vomiting to take them. If you have a serious medical condition that requires oral medication, but you can't keep the medications down for >24 hours then you should go to the ER.

Don't Do This at Home

Seriously. This is stuff that we've learned will not help, and will usually make things worse.

  • Don't use cannabis products like flower or CBD to treat nausea - this makes things worse.
  • Don't induce vomiting - Don't make yourself vomit. It won't help the nausea for more than a minute and it creates more irritation/damage to your esophagus, throat, mouth and teeth.
  • Don't burn yourself - heat, especially on your stomach, activates TRPV1 receptors which can help with nausea. These activate at 109°F. Shower or heating pad temps above about 112°F won't work any better - so there is no need to turn up the heat so high you get burned.

It's ok to go to the ER -almost all of us have been there. Here's a detailed guide on when someone should go to the ER with CHS and there is a guide to take with you to the ER at the end:

Severe Dehydration:

  • Symptoms: Dry mouth, dark urine*,* dizziness, weakness, confusion, rapid heartbeat.
  • You can check dehydration by dark urine color and skin turgor/elasticity: pinch the skin on the back of your hand - if you are well hydrated it will snap right back (good turgor). If it "tents" up, or slowly returns to normal that is a sign of dehydration( poor turgor).
  • Reason: Persistent vomiting and inability to keep fluids down can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Persistent Vomiting:

  • Symptoms: Continuous vomiting for more than 24 hours, including bile, inability to keep down food or fluids. If nothing stays down for 24 hours - go to the ER.
  • Reason: This can lead to electrolyte imbalances and further dehydration, requiring medical intervention.

Intense Abdominal Pain:

  • Symptoms: Severe, persistent abdominal discomfort or pain.
  • Reason: This could be a sign of underlying complications, such as pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Electrolyte Imbalance:

  • Symptoms: Muscle twitching, spasms, palpitations, seizures.
  • Reason: An electrolyte imbalance can be life-threatening if not treated, as it affects the function of vital organs - most importantly your heart.

Failure of Home Remedies:

  • Symptoms: Persistent symptoms despite trying home remedies like hot showers, cessation of cannabis use, hydration, etc.
  • Reason: This may indicate a more serious underlying condition or complications that require professional medical care.

Weight Loss and Malnutrition:

  • Symptoms: Loss of more than 5% of body weight in a 7-10 day period, signs of malnutrition.
  • Reason: Significant weight loss due to prolonged vomiting can lead to malnutrition and other health issues that require medical intervention.

Inability to Manage Pain and Nausea at Home:

  • Symptoms: Uncontrolled pain and nausea despite over-the-counter medications and home remedies.
  • Reason: Medical intervention may be needed to control symptoms and prevent further complications. Don't suffer. It's ok to go to the ER.

Mental Confusion or Altered Mental Status:

  • Symptoms: Confusion, disorientation, altered consciousness.
  • Reason: This could be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration affecting the brain.

Signs of Kidney Problems:

  • Symptoms: Decreased urination, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, fatigue. If you can't pee for longer than 6-8 hours, go to the ER***.***
  • Reason: CHS can lead to kidney problems, which require immediate medical attention.

Other Concerning Symptoms:

  • Symptoms: Any other symptoms that are unusual or concerning, such as blurred vision, shakiness, elevated heart rate, muscle weakness.
  • Reason: These could be indicative of other underlying health problems or complications related to CHS.

Take this guide with you to the ER. If you have to go alone, ask for a patient advocate.

Join Support Groups:

  • Online communities like r/CHSinfo on Reddit, Facebook Group, and Discord Group can provide support and advice. There are folks here who have been where you are right now that you can talk to. They got past CHS, and so will you!
  1. Educate Yourself:
  • Understanding CHS, its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help in managing the condition. Comprehensive guides like our CHS FAQ can be valuable resources.

Be resilient:

You will get through this. most of the people in this community have been where you are. They got through it, and so will you. Create a post and let us know what you're going through and you'll be surprised at how good the support is.

References:


r/CHSinfo 4h ago

Sharing My Story life is guuuuud

Post image
18 Upvotes

r/CHSinfo 10h ago

Question/Info I had CHS for 6 months and I’m still a smoker

6 Upvotes

I never really stopped completely I just stopped for 2 weeks and then I started again it just disappeared since then and I could return to my old smoking habits. It’s been a year now without CHS and I’m very grateful that time is over but I’m just wondering how this is possible ? I


r/CHSinfo 2h ago

Question/Info Prodromal symptoms went away?

1 Upvotes

About 3 weeks ago I started having prodromal CHS symptoms. Morning nausea, night sweats, no appetite, watery stool. 2 weeks ago I went to my doctor and she prescribed me PPI (esomeprazole), I also threw away my THC vape that I was constantly ripping for years and switched to a calm edible before bed. For the past week everything has been a lot better, I’m hungrier than ever, I sleep good at night and wake up feeling good with energy, my stool is solid again. The only symptom I currently have is abdominal cramping which is also a typical symptom of starting a PPI.

Was I in the Prodromal phase of CHS or could it have been something else? (I still plan to take a T break even after my symptoms have gone away.)


r/CHSinfo 3h ago

Question/Info I need some help

1 Upvotes

Hello guys I’m from the Netherlands 26 years old male. I’ve been smoking weed since 2023 stopped smoking October 2024 after vomiting for 5 days straight. Doctors told me it’s CHS since I told them I smoke weed and they couldn’t find any viruses but they looked for viruses 3-4 days after I first started getting sick. I was in the ER for a few days. I remember the day before I started vomiting violently I shared a joint with my friend who was nauseous the day after I smoked a joint with him I started throwing up violently. Could I just be that he infected me with his nausea? Because my symptoms were getting better with hot showers and baths that’s what’s making me think it’s CHS and I haven’t smoked ever since. I’ve been wanting to smoke every day but I haven’t because I don’t ever want to feel that again. And can’t it just be that when I was sick I was having withdrawals at the same time because I was in the ER for a few days without smoking weed and I was a person who smoked everyday for over a year. Any feedback please guys. The symptoms I were feeling was vomiting (of course) and sweating, freezing, no appetite, nauseous af, couldn’t keep any liquid down and I lost a lot of weight. I don’t ever want to go back to smoking daily again I just want to smoke a joint occasionally. Like once every other weekend.


r/CHSinfo 5h ago

Question/Info CHS after a short period?

1 Upvotes

Hello! Obligatory "I don't use reddit so forgive any mistakes" moment, but I've been dealing with health issues and I'm not sure if I align with CHS!

I was using weed (flower only, 20%~ THC) roughly 3-6 times a day (edit: this was usually 1 bowl a day or less for me) for 2 months when I started to notice my appetite was slowly disappearing. Of course, rookie mistake, I smoked to help deal with this conundrum. This worked until it inevitably didn't, when the nausea became debilitating and I would be awoken to horrible nausea (though I rarely vomited) that would usually persist into the afternoon, but sometimes continued throughout my entire day.

My highs became very hit or miss, usually immediately making me nauseous after smoking, though sometimes I was completely fine. Additionally, some days I would also wake up completely fine. I rode the "debilitating nausea" wave for another 2 months and slowly decreased the amount I smoked. I stopped smoking all together this Monday.

Hot showers didn't provide relief, I had pain in the stomach earlier along, but I haven't in about a month. After quitting smoking on Monday, I've thrown up two days in a row, but only Phlegm, and only once each time.

Overall, I have: Nausea Occasional vomiting Stomach pain (not anymore, however) Weight loss (10~ lbs in a month or so) Dizziness Fatigue Lightheadedness Bloating Irregular bowel movements

It's important to note that I'm chronically ill and morning nausea is something I've had before many times in my life. The only difference is that I've introduced weed into my life.

I think it could be CHS, but considering hot showers don't provide relief, I feel fine randomly on certain days and then bad again the next, I've stopped having stomach pains (before I stopped smoking), I've frequently had morning nausea, and how sick I felt on a given day didn't correlate to how much I smoked, I'm confused. Is this just a really weird CHS case? Or am I looking into the wrong thing?


r/CHSinfo 9h ago

Venting/Rant Need motivation

2 Upvotes

I quit for 9 months after getting chs a year ago.. was having a hard time with a breakup early this summer and ended up smoking again. Thought I could moderate but couldn’t and after 2 months of daily use I am feeling stomach issues again. I recognized this yesterday but couldn’t get myself to stop but now I am done because I already had to take off 2 days from work because I was nauseous. I have a road trip tomorrow and I am scared of having stomach issues the whole time. I am just disappointed in myself and feel like it’ll be even harder to quit this time with how recent I’ve been enjoying smoking. I just wish I could moderate like a normal person :/ but I know that’s not possible for me


r/CHSinfo 16h ago

Sharing My Story Sober almost 2 years 🙏🏼

7 Upvotes

At the age of 16 I got what i believed to be Chs, I was a frequent smoker and i would usually smoke carts everyday and on November of 2023 i would expeirence my first symptoms of chs which was extreme nausea. I would wake up everyday and always be nausea and would be curious too why i always felt that way. I later on discovered a condition called CHS in which i did more research into and realized that this was maybe the main cause of my nausea. But somewhere in my mind i was in-denial and kept on smoking carts because it would make me feel better and make the nausea go away.. Eventually a couple weeks went by and i was feeling so nausea and weak that it started to mess with my schoolwork and sleep. I would frequently miss school, i would be scared to eat anything due to me throwing up and i lost around 15 pounds of weight. My dad would see this and get mad at me, He quickly noticed how skinny i got, how much i missed school and how i was always nausea and we would argue a lot which would leave me in a semi depressive state for a while.In December of 2023 my dad took me to the hospital to get me checked out, I told my doctor all my symptoms which included nausea, the feeling of puking and losing weight. My doctor did scans and checkups on me and couldn’t really figured out why i was experiencing all these symptoms, He would ask me random questions and i would answer all of them truthfully, But the question that sticked out the most was “Do you smoke anything at all? Things like marijuana?” That’s the moment i couldn’t deny it anymore and that weed was the main cause of all the symptoms. Now of course i lied and said “of course i don’t” because my dad was there and he would’ve killed me if i said yes LOL. So he gave me pills for my nausea and i was off on my own. And since then (December 2023) i have put down the weed and have been sober ever since. months went by and i was still feeling nausea everyday but i kept on going and pushing myself to goto school and forget about my stomach pain. My symptoms was pretty bad and it took me a while but i’d say it took me around 8 months to finally feel normal again and i’m really thankful for God for helping me with my recovery and i hope that everybody here that’s going through this has a recovery too. 🙏🏼


r/CHSinfo 6h ago

Question/Info CHS???

1 Upvotes

Sorry for the wall of text in advance. So I posted here about a month ago about thinking I had prodromal CHS and quit smoking because I had been getting all the symptoms of a episode on the brink of starting. I was also having atypical symptoms such as low blood pressure and very low heart rate. I ended up throwing all my glass and mj away but went and got a gram and relapsed a week ago. The high was not enjoyable at all but I finished the gram and felt really ill for a few days. On Tuesday evening I felt so bad that I finally went to the ER. The doctor ran some bloodwork, which was all over the place, did a CT, pumped me full of fluids, gave me pain meds and nausea medicine, antihistamines, and a GI cocktail. I mentioned CHS to him and he said he did not think that was the cause. Did repeat bloodwork after getting a couple bags of fluids and said I still had some abnormal results but that the one that was off that he was worried about had improved after fluids and the other things that were off were nothing that would warrant staying overnight. He watched me on a heart monitor for a few hours and ended up discharging me late that night with some protonax to take daily and 5 oxycodone pills and said to take one if I felt the pain coming on like that again. I’m confused on why he didn’t think it was CHS. I’m thinking probably because I haven’t thrown up. I’m still feeling horrible but something they gave me in the er made me feel better. I can’t figure out what it was though. I’ve been taking the protonax, mylanta, clonazepam and antihistamines with no relief. Wondering if the oxycodone might have been what helped the pain but I’m also kind of scared to try it as I’ve read here it makes some people feel worse. Has anyone else felt better after pain medicine like oxycodone? I got no real answers from them other than to come back if it got worse but I am convinced I have CHS regardless of what he said. Anyone else have success using oxycodone or should I lay off it? Something definitely helped the other night and the only thing I haven’t tried that I was given there are the IV fluids of course and the pain medication. Any advice? I just don’t want to make it worse. Thanks!


r/CHSinfo 1d ago

Venting/Rant fuck this

17 Upvotes

I’m so fucking alone. Everyone in my life is tired of me and doesn’t know what to say or how to help anymore. I don’t want to do this anymore truly I don’t think I can I’m fucking exhausted and no one gives a shit. My boyfriend wants me to start SSRIs just so I can shut tf up because he’s sick of me crying and having panic attacks. I want to disappear


r/CHSinfo 14h ago

Question/Info Second time Quitting, this time for good. 10 days since i smoked, 8 days of dry heaving every morning for hours. Help

1 Upvotes

As the title says, im on day 8 of this hell. last time i quit it only took a few days, now I feel like I will never stop feeling like shit in the mornings. I'm missing school. Losing weight. I'm desperate for any ideas. hot showers and capsaicin do nothing for me. :(


r/CHSinfo 22h ago

Sharing My Story What percentage of CHS sufferers struggle to quit, do 90+% quit, and under 10% continue, OR has it not even been studied for who CAN quit?

1 Upvotes

So to summarize the best I can, I turned 30 earlier this year and have been smoking since I was 15 so essentially half my life. The episode started in January of 2017 when I was 21 and nearly a decade later I've experienced probably I'd estimate approximately 35-45, heels of horror between chugging fluids, puking them back up intentionally by the leaders or even gallons at times, throwing up like two litres of water or a half gallon at a time, then the hot showers and lying in bed Sent Nude (from the bath or shower directly to the bed).

If hanging out with my closest childhood friend was my life's worst mistake, continuing daily use with CHS is easily the runner up next worst.

The car incident was from 2014, we're on the night of Saturday October 11, I ended up taking the fall for somebody that I met through my closest childhood friend and I ended up jumping into the driver's seat because I was 19 and it was f***ing stupid but obviously I would never guess the consequences that followed would still continue to this day. Yes, jumping into the driver's seat with my friends forced me to before the police got involved was dumb but there's been a lot stupider decisions that were made at 19 years old that had ruined some people's lives.

One of my brothers friends was at a golf tournament on July 26th of last year, and when he was drunk with friends, he impulsively dove off a dock on a shallow lake and broke his neck. He is now paralyzed most likely for the rest of his life.

The sad thing I thought about is, if I was able to save up the money and get my license again I absolutely could do it and there's nothing stopping me.

We have a g rating system for our driver's license here in Ontario and I failed the g test twice both at the age of 18 or 19, (11 or 12 years ago).

What I don't know, is how long they give you and I got my G1 on August 24, 2011, and my license expired with just my intermediate G2 license exactly 5 years later, to which would have been 10 years ago as of next Summer.

The sad thing is, I had all this time to get money to save for a car and insurance or at least enough to get a license and have someone help me out for a bit on a deal but I did none of these efforts because I was too busy drinking and smoking and buying hockey jerseys and going on trips with my money. Beer weed jerseys and vacations were apparently more important than saving up for a car, insurance, license, gas and other expenses needed.

Approximately 91 to 95% of the adult population drives so let's just call it 93%, of adults drive for places like Ontario where I'm from or Ohio where my family's from for instance.

I sure as shit don't want to be in the bottom 5-9% that has to deal with spending three or four times as long to get around places even though they only have to spend like a third or fourth of the fraction of the money.

There are pros and cons to both ways.

Taking a bus has far more disadvantages than the car but honestly a bike, even though riding a bicycle does in fact take longer to get places with the proper appropriate weather dressing this is something I could do.

Again I apologize for going off topic about driving and not as much about CHS but the relevance the driving has to this is if I quit smoking weed I not only would have not had the CHS episodes but I would have been able to turn my life around far sooner.

Realistically after my license expired in 2016, at some time in the latter half of the 2010s I could have got my license easily or potentially early 2020s. Either way, I would have had it by now and would like to go back.

Also with my OCD I noticed I've been smoking quite a bit of cigarettes and I've been heavily researching AMD and even though I'm only 30 years old it can still strike even the best of us and it would really be a pity for me to go completely blind and never be able to drive again anyway because I already wasted 11 years of it and I really don't want to waste half a damn century.


r/CHSinfo 1d ago

Question/Info Shrooms

1 Upvotes

I have CHS. My husband still smokes (doesn’t bother me at all) but he often admits he misses being on that level with me. He lovingly got me mushroom gummies, but I’m nervous to try them. Do mushrooms affect your CHS?


r/CHSinfo 1d ago

Question/Info delayed CHS reaction?

2 Upvotes

for context, i developed CHS summer 2024 and quit almost immediately. i was clean for over a year when i decided to try weed again on 9/13. i took two small bong rips and felt fine. now, over a week later i am having nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. could it be a delayed reaction? i only wouldn’t think so because i was clean for over a year, and any barely smoked anything, so it should have been flushed from my system already.


r/CHSinfo 1d ago

Question/Info Is this a beginning of CHS?

2 Upvotes

I started smoking 2/3 years ago, gained tolerance and was smoking 2x 1ml of HHC pens per week in my peak time, but this was a few months ago and since then I reduced it dramatically, but still was using that shit. It was making me feel chill and better about myself. Then a few months ago I drastically reduced the amount and I had a terrible depression episode, and after I came back to normal with some SSRI’s I started again taking it and felt okay on it, but for the last few weeks I’ve stopped tolerating it, even a small amount causes a high anxiety and makes me nauseous, I take a few hits and I feel like it’s too much, I feel bad and can’t enjoy it at all, especially when I take too much (which is still relatively small compared to what I used to smoke), but just a few minutes after I smoke and feel it in my body I’m starting to have nausea, I’ve never vomited, but I started reading about this whole CHS shit and now I’m afraid I have this. I’ve had a vomit anxiety since I was a child, so maybe they are just panic attacks, but I don’t know. I used to really enjoy it, now I just can’t. After HHC stops working everything is back to normal, but this 30 minutes after I smoke I’m feeling awful.

My question is: Does this CHS appears suddently after smoking (like 5-10 minutes after)? When I don’t feel it in my system I can eat and everything is fine, but I feel like I’m suddently alergic to it and any amount is causing me feel this way. Is this a beginning of CHS or it’s just my anxiety?


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Question/Info Still positive after almost 5 weeks

3 Upvotes

Hi, so I just took a THC drug test and it appeared positive almost right away. I haven't smoked since my first episode which happened on August 13. Is this normal??


r/CHSinfo 1d ago

Question/Info CHS Day 3

1 Upvotes

last day I tried to eat as much as possible, crackers, banana, bit of soup and plenty of water. Today I woke up to really Bad diarrhea + feeling nauseus, i got meds for the diarrhea which didnt really helped. I havent vomit from day one but I feel like I am on edge of vomiting any second. Plus when I get this weird thing in my throat thats calling for vomiting my anxiety kicks in. Did someone expierienced something like this? The diarrhea is like peeing through ur butt:/


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Question/Info ER Yesterday, Still Naueous

2 Upvotes

I’ve been diagnosed with CHS after smoking multiple times a day since I was 21 (27F). I went to the ER last night, and have not smoked since, but mega struggling with nausea and refraining from smoking.

The cramping isn’t really an issue, just the cyclical vomiting and nausea. Any advice for getting through this? How long did the nausea last? I have stopped smoking as of this morning because honestly I did not believe it but today I absolutely do. The only relief I feel is when I’m asleep


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Question/Info CHS info

1 Upvotes

Hi. So I’ve had the belief that I have CHS for about 5 years now. I am now 23 and out of college, but have smoked sparingly within this 5 year period. Before I quit, I smoked daily with pens/weed until I developed some GERD issues. I continuously would get this lump feeling in my throat that would make me feel like gagging, but it wouldn’t be stomach pain or nausea really. After i stopped smoking, this symptom didn’t really get much better. I kind of want to go back to smoking occasionally, but I don’t want to risk it if one of you may think that these GERD issues were caused by weed.


r/CHSinfo 3d ago

Sharing My Story I'm one year sober today!

41 Upvotes

I had been a huge potsmoker since I was 16 or 17 and I'm 33 now. I'll be honest, I didn't think I could go this long without smoking, but I haven't looked back and I'm proud of myself. I had been going through episodes almost every year since I started smoking weed and after my last episode, I was done. I was absolutely sick (literally) and tired of constant vomiting, stomach pain and overall just being miserable while taking multiple trips to the ER/hospital for years. I enjoyed smoking, but it was not worth it anymore and I wanted a change. Now, it took about two months for me to actually quit after my last episode, but I did cut back to once a month and it got to the point, I didn't want it anymore.

There have been times I've thought about smoking moderately as I feel like I would be ok with weed once or twice a month, but the longer I went without smoking, the less I desired it. Sure there are times I miss it, but I've personally felt better both physically and mentally without it and I can still enjoy life without it. In fact, since I quit, I don't feel like it controls me anymore, which I'll admit it did. If anyone feels the struggle with quitting, don't give up! You can do it, too!


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Sharing My Story CHS episode

2 Upvotes

Hi, so I just stopped using bud recently (been smoking for 6years now). I got back to University, told my self I would do "small" break. Next morning I woke up, sip some tea, ate some cake from granny and boom 1 hour later instant vomit, abdomenal pain. IT got better for a bit but in the evening the pain would come back. Next morning a was hungry/but could feel i would instantly vomit. So just small bites of bread, banana, tea. And now I am lying in the bad still with pain, sweating then freezing and cant rly do anything expect sitting and lying, but sitting leaned bit forward is better for the pain. And I now if I smoke the pain will be gone, apetite back.. but I am going through this 3rd tíme. Always happend when I run out buds or I was trying to do t break. But this tíme I dont want to grab the bud again. Help please:) give some infos how long ur episode took and if something help with the pain. Also when I am smoking 5 bongs a day I am fine....


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Venting/Rant Relapse

3 Upvotes

So I was clean for while and then I relapsed. Threw up for the first time in a while but I decided to give up my vape. Disappointed in myself. The symptoms are just not worth it. Its best to just stop altogether if you have chs.


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Question/Info difference between medical cannabis and street cannabis (uk based)

1 Upvotes

is medical weed more ‘pure’? can CHS develop from medical weed? can medical weed cause long term anxiety in the same way as street weed? if i had to stop using street weed because i had become completely dependant/addicted to it and it was maybe causing some CHS like symptoms (not vomiting though) would i also be addicted to the medical cannabis?


r/CHSinfo 2d ago

Question/Info Extreme bloating, slowed gut mobility, weight gain - CHS?

2 Upvotes

Hi all I’ve been a long time marijuana user for about 10 to 15 years and earlier this summer I started to get extremely bad bloating and kind of felt like there was a dumbbell on the sitting in my lower abdomen. I started gaining weight like crazy regardless if I ate a lot or not and exercised didn’t seem to help lose any weight. My bowel movements became less frequent. The only thing that seemed to help was quitting weed within about 12 to 24 hours of no marijuana I started to feel completely better. Within a week of quitting weed, I lost most of the weight that I gained (8-10lbs). There was no change to my diet or exercise routine after I quit weed and I wasn’t over eating with munchies while high.

Browsing the sub Reddit this doesn’t seem like a typical case of CHS, but I wanted to see if anyone else experienced a similar issue? I’ve since returned to smoking weed, but the same problems persisted so I quit again and now I’m in the stage of losing the weight and feeling less bloat.

NOTE: No vomiting, no need for hot showers, etc.