Some Downward Progress
Many older folks turn to cannabis to self-medicate the pain and sleep problems that can plague old age. As they become dependent on cannabis, we could see the emergence of more health-related problems there.
Aaieee!! Krokodil!
The evidence suggests we do not yet have a Krokodil epidemic. Although the media seems to do its best to help create one.
This is actually an update, from an earlier post (May), on that weird phenomenon now officially known as Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).
CHS is defined as "a condition that leads to repeated and severe bouts of vomiting," and it results from continuing cannabis use. Not surprisingly, given the rapid expansion in access to marijuana for recreational use, it's turned out to be a lot more common than initially projected. Instead of a few hundred thousand cases, a recent research estimate put the number closer to 2.75 million, in the US alone.
The majority appear to be adults and young adults who use marijuana on a regular basis, but it shouldn't be long before additional cases emerge involving adolescents. I certainly don't expect age restrictions to be more effective in controlling recreational cannabis use than they have been with alcohol or tobacco products -- that is, most users will simply ignore them.
Signs and symptoms of CHS to look out for:
Obviously,...
CHS is defined as "a condition that leads to repeated and severe bouts of vomiting," and it results from continuing cannabis use. Not surprisingly, given the rapid expansion in access to marijuana for recreational use, it's turned out to be a lot more common than initially projected. Instead of a few hundred thousand cases, a recent research estimate put the number closer to 2.75 million, in the US alone.
The majority appear to be adults and young adults who use marijuana on a regular basis, but it shouldn't be long before additional cases emerge involving adolescents. I certainly don't expect age restrictions to be more effective in controlling recreational cannabis use than they have been with alcohol or tobacco products -- that is, most users will simply ignore them.
Signs and symptoms of CHS to look out for:
Obviously,...
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Some Downward Progress
Many older folks turn to cannabis to self-medicate the pain and sleep problems that can plague old age. As they become dependent on cannabis, we could see the emergence of more health-related problems there.
Good News on the Overdose Front
Some less good news: Law enforcement sees evidence of aggressive efforts by drug cartels to establish supply lines and operations within the US.
Mean Green
At this point in the US, there are allegedly a couple of hundred thousand people who would reasonably qualify as ketamine-addicted.
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When Addiction Is The Norm
Genetics appear to play a role, of course; so do environmental factors, including trauma -- something that often haunts such families.
When Addiction Is The Norm
Genetics appear to play a role, of course; so do environmental factors, including trauma -- something that often haunts such families.
Warning Labels on Liquor — Worth the Effort?
Of course, we should expect significant opposition from the alcohol industry.
Life in a Hot Spot
Make it a continuing effort, using strategies based in evidence, and harnessing the power of human interaction-- instead of relying on a burst of anti-drug education, however intense.
Hunter on Trial
...in the claustrophobic environment of a trial, it seems it's still permissible to treat the consequences of this complex, multifactorial chronic disorder as simply the result of some poor soul’s irresponsible decision-making.
Seven Trips to Rehab pt 2
I remember the late James Milam PhD suggesting that the ability to vividly recall one's first use of a substance might actually be an indicator of future problems.
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Revisiting CHS
As of now, there's no single widely used treatment -- other than giving up marijuana.
Revisiting CHS
As of now, there's no single widely used treatment -- other than giving up marijuana.
When Addiction Is The Norm
Genetics appear to play a role, of course; so do environmental factors, including trauma -- something that often haunts such families.
Exercising for Chronic Pain Relief
We've known for several decades that regular exercise, even the mild sort, helps lessen symptoms of depression. It comes as no surprise that it may also help with CPS and the mood problems that accompany it.
Drugs in Jail
If 70% or more of a jail population has been identified as having a drug or alcohol problem – that does happen – then what you’re really operating is a treatment center that happens to have bars on the windows and guards at the entrance.
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First Person Hard Charger
In fact, in many instances, the trauma that occurs after they’re addicted is more damaging than what happened before.
First Person Hard Charger
In fact, in many instances, the trauma that occurs after they’re addicted is more damaging than what happened before.
Diagnosing Cannabis Use Disorder: Updated
It certainly makes sense that if you suffer from a major mental illness, you should stay away from pot.
Video: Practical Advice on Prescription Painkiller Problems
People have abused opiates for 5,000 years. As much as medicine depends on them, they've always created problems for a percentage of users.
