Scromiting is a term that has gained attention in recent years as more individuals seek medical help for a condition linked to long-term cannabis use. The word combines “screaming” and “vomiting” to describe the intense symptoms experienced during episodes of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
At Recovery Zone LA, our team has worked with many individuals experiencing these distressing symptoms, providing support and evidence-based treatment approaches to help them recover and rebuild their health. Understanding scromiting and CHS is important for anyone concerned about the potential health impacts of regular cannabis use.
Definition of Scromiting
Scromiting refers to the severe episodes of vomiting often accompanied by intense abdominal pain, which can cause sufferers to have extreme reactions to the pain. While not a medical term, this slang description captures the distressing nature of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
CHS is a medical condition characterized by cyclical episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that occurs in some long-term, regular cannabis users. The condition was first described in medical literature in 2004 and has since been recognized by major health organizations worldwide.
According to recent research from the National Institutes of Health, CHS affects approximately 2-6% of regular cannabis users, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. The condition appears to be more common in daily users and those who have used cannabis for several years. Despite cannabis being used to treat nausea in some contexts, CHS represents a paradoxical reaction where the same substance triggers severe vomiting episodes in certain long-term users.
Why Does Heavy Cannabis Use Lead to Scromiting?
To understand scromiting, it’s helpful to first understand how cannabis interacts with the body. The human body contains an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate numerous functions including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and nausea. This system includes receptors throughout the body, including the digestive tract.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds to these receptors. When cannabis is used occasionally, this binding can help reduce nausea and increase appetite. However, with regular, heavy use over months or years, something changes.
Scientists believe that chronic cannabis use may cause the endocannabinoid system to become dysregulated. Instead of helping control nausea, the overstimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract begins to cause the opposite effect — severe nausea and vomiting.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that the risk of developing CHS increases significantly in those who use cannabis more than 20 days per month. The study also noted that higher potency products may accelerate the development of symptoms.
Not everyone who uses cannabis regularly will develop CHS. Individual differences in metabolism, genetics, and other factors likely play a role in determining who is affected.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Scromiting
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome typically progresses through three distinct phases, each with its own set of symptoms. Understanding these phases can help identify the condition early.
General Physical Indicators
In the early (prodromal) phase, individuals may experience morning nausea and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms might be mild at first and often mistaken for other conditions. Many people increase their cannabis use during this phase, believing it will help alleviate their nausea. Unfortunately, this typically worsens the condition.
The hyperemetic phase is when scromiting becomes most apparent. During this phase, individuals experience:
- Intense Cyclical Vomiting: Episodes of severe, persistent vomiting that can occur multiple times per hour
- Abdominal Pain: Often described as cramping or burning, typically centered in the upper abdomen or around the navel
- Dehydration: Resulting from fluid loss through repeated vomiting
- Compulsive Hot Bathing: Individuals take multiple hot showers or baths throughout the day for symptom relief
A study from the National Institutes of Health found that up to 92% of CHS patients report temporary symptom relief from bathing or showering in hot water. This behavior is so distinctive to this condition that medical professionals often use it as a diagnostic clue.
The recovery phase begins when cannabis use stops. Symptoms can gradually diminish over days to weeks, though they may return if cannabis use resumes.
Behavioral Therapy Approaches
Beyond the physical symptoms, CHS can take a significant emotional and behavioral toll. Common signs include:
- Anxiety and restlessness during episodes
- Social withdrawal, due to unpredictable symptoms
- Weight loss from reduced food intake and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Decreased work or school performance
- Reluctance to stop cannabis use despite symptoms
These behavioral changes often impact daily functioning and quality of life, sometimes leading to job loss, relationship strain, or academic problems.
Treatment Options for Scromiting
Treatment for CHS focuses on three main goals: stopping the vomiting cycle, preventing dehydration, and helping the individual stop using cannabis.
Medical Interventions
For individuals in the midst of a severe vomiting episode, emergency care may be necessary. Hospital treatments typically include:
- Intravenous (IV) Fluids: To address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by repeated vomiting.
- Anti-nausea Medications: Traditional anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron (Zofran) often have limited effectiveness for CHS. Some studies suggest haloperidol, benzodiazepines, or capsaicin cream applied to the abdomen may be more effective.
- Pain Management: Non-opioid pain relievers are preferred, as opioid medications can worsen nausea.
Treatment Approach | Effectiveness for CHS | Notes |
IV Fluids | High | Essential first-line treatment |
Hot Showers/Baths | Temporary relief | Many patients discover this on their own |
Traditional Antiemetics | Limited | Often less effective than for other causes of vomiting |
Haloperidol | Moderate to high | Emerging evidence supports use |
Capsaicin cream | Moderate | Applied topically to abdomen |
Cannabis cessation | Highest (long-term) | Only definitive treatment |
A 2022 study in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that topical capsaicin, which activates the same heat receptors triggered by hot showers, reduced symptoms in about 75% of patients when applied to the abdomen.
Behavioral Therapy Approaches
Once the acute vomiting phase has subsided, addressing cannabis use becomes the priority. Effective approaches may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify triggers for cannabis use and develop coping strategies.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy: Strengthens motivation to change cannabis use patterns.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced CHS.
- Stress Management Techniques: Learning healthy ways to manage stress without cannabis.
These therapies address not just cannabis use itself, but also any underlying issues that may have contributed to the pattern of use.
Importance of Cannabis Cessation
Complete cessation of cannabis use is the only proven long-term solution for CHS. According to data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days of stopping cannabis use. However, it may take several weeks in some cases.
Studies show that approximately 96% of patients experience complete resolution of symptoms with cannabis abstinence. Research indicates that symptoms return in about 80% of individuals who resume cannabis use after recovery.
For many people with CHS, accepting that they need to stop using cannabis permanently can be difficult. This can be especially true if they’ve been using it to self-medicate for conditions like pain or chronic anxiety. Working with healthcare providers to find alternative treatments for these conditions can be an important part of recovery.
Risks of Ongoing Cannabis Use
There are several misconceptions about CHS that can prevent people from seeking appropriate treatment. One common myth is that “vomit weed” is caused by contaminants, pesticides, or specific strains of cannabis. Current research does not support these theories.
Studies have shown that CHS can occur with any form of cannabis, including medical cannabis obtained from licensed dispensaries. The condition appears to be related to the effects of cannabinoids themselves (THC in particular) rather than contaminants.
Continuing to use cannabis after developing CHS carries significant health risks, including:
- Severe Dehydration: Prolonged vomiting leads to fluid loss that can cause electrolyte imbalances, affecting heart function and potentially leading to seizures.
- Kidney Injury: Dehydration and repeated vomiting can strain the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury.
- Esophageal Damage: Frequent vomiting can tear the esophagus (Mallory Weiss tears) or cause inflammation.
- Malnutrition: Inability to keep food down leads to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Dental Problems: Stomach acid from frequent vomiting damages tooth enamel.
Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention
Recovery from CHS is possible with the right support and commitment to cannabis abstinence. Most individuals see significant improvement within days to weeks of stopping cannabis use.
Several lifestyle modifications can support recovery and overall well-being:
- Stress Management: Practices like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help manage stress without substances.
- Nutrition: Working with a dietitian to restore nutritional balance and develop healthy eating habits can help establish overall balance.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood.
- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing consistent sleep patterns supports recovery.
- Social Connections: Rebuilding relationships and social networks that don’t revolve around cannabis use.
For individuals using cannabis to manage symptoms, working with healthcare providers to find alternative treatments is essential. Options might include non-cannabis medications, physical therapy, or non-drug approaches.
Moving Forward with Professional Support
Recovery from CHS and cannabis use disorder often requires professional assistance. Treatment programs can provide the structure, education, and support needed to achieve and maintain abstinence.
Outpatient programs offer flexibility for individuals who need to continue working or attending school while receiving treatment. These programs typically include individual counseling, group therapy, and education about substance use disorders.
For those with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, integrated treatment addressing both the substance use and mental health is most effective. This approach, called dual diagnosis treatment, ensures that all aspects of a person’s health are addressed simultaneously.
Recover from Cannabis Addiction at Recovery Zone LA
Recovery Zone LA specializes in helping individuals affected by cannabis use disorders, including those experiencing CHS and scromiting symptoms. Our evidence-based treatment programs combine medical expertise with compassionate support to address both physical symptoms and the underlying patterns of substance use.
If someone is experiencing symptoms of CHS or struggling with cannabis use, reaching out for professional support is an important first step toward recovery. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.