Continuing to Drug Test Is Critical for Those Struggling with Substance Use Disorder
Over 350,000 lives were lost to COVID-19 in 2020. This is more deaths than in World War I and Vietnam combined. Unfortunately, these are not the only lives that have been lost throughout the past year. Substance use and drug overdose have ravaged families and taken lives for decades, but America is seeing a peak in its devastation. A few companies and individuals are working to provide support around addiction and are pushing to end the drug epidemic America is facing. [Learn More]
Drug Trends – What is CHS Syndrome? And why don’t some people know about it?
Officer Jermaine Galloway, better known as "The Tall Cop," will be an ongoing featured contributor to the Averhealth Digest on drug trends —providing you with highlights of street drug trends your clients may be using. If you are testing for the same drugs day after day, you are probably missing the drugs being used! Learn how to stay current on the most recent drug trends and how your drug testing program plays an integral role in your clients' recovery process. This month, Officer Galloway discusses CHS Syndrome.
CHS Syndrome stands for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by chronic, frequent and projectile vomiting, associated with frequent marijuana use. Of course, not everyone suffers from this syndrome, but those who are suffering, the symptoms can be severe. Some chronic cannabis users report these symptoms: vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain/cramping. Those suffering from this syndrome say their only relief, albeit temporary, is from a warm bath or shower.
During my teaching and traveling, I have had class attendees (who are now in recovery) or who had a loved one suffering from CHS, share these personal accounts:
Frequent and daily/cyclic vomiting
Weight loss
Withdrawals
Irritability
Diarrhea
Multiple baths and showers a day
It appears that the cause and treatment remedies of CHS are still being studied and explored by medical researchers.
In some cases, the patient’s medical provider was not aware of the syndrome and in other cases, the medical provider immediately knew the cause of the vomiting. Personally, I began to see articles on this syndrome around 2016. One pediatrician / class attendee in Colorado shared that he and some other medical personnel were informed through a bulletin around that same time. In my own research, I have found news and articles dating back to the mid 2000’s. We know there are many who are suffering from this who still don’t realize or believe that it is cannabis that could be bringing on these symptoms. Education will play an important role in helping those in our communities learn more about CHS. Below are a few articles that I have come across on CHS Syndrome.
For more information on CHS Syndrome, check out these resources:
Tall Cop Says Stop is a national & international trainer who has trained over 500,000 people. Learn more: www.tallcopsaysstop.com
Upcoming Conferences
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We look forward to seeing you at the APPA 2021 Winter Training Institute! Please stop by our virtual booth to learn more about the Averhealth Difference.
Averhealth will be at the following state conferences!
February 23-24
(Virtual Conference)
March 2-3
(Hybrid Conference)
Industry News
The Deadliest Year In the History of U.S. Drug Use
While over 300,000 Americans and counting have died from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, another public-health disaster is taking more lives than ever before: drug overdoses. [Learn More]
CDC Issues Advisory as Drug Overdose Deaths Spike
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network advisory to medical and public health professionals and others Thursday, saying drug overdose deaths have soared to the highest number ever recorded in a 12-month period. [Learn More]
FREE WEBINAR: BJA FY 21 Adult Drug Court & Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program Webinar
This webinar will provide an overview of the FY 21 Adult Drug Court & Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program request for proposals. Greg Torain, Policy Advisor with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice will be presenting an overview of the four possible application categories, solicitation goals, & proposal requirements. Questions from attendees will be answered as time permits.
The webinar will be facilitated on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 from 1:30-3pm (EST). We hope you will join us!
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