Addiction Medicine Made Easy | Fighting back against addiction

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), also known as "scromiting," is a debilitating condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that affects heavy cannabis users. Dr. Casey Grover explains this increasingly common syndrome caused by high-potency cannabis products, which paradoxically improves with hot showers and proves challenging to treat with conventional medications.• First identified in 2009 and named "scromiting" to reflect the combined screaming and vomiting patients experience• Cannabis potency has increased dramatically from 1% THC in the 1970s to 25-30% THC in today's products• Patients experience cyclical episodes of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting lasting 24-48 hours• Compulsive hot bathing is a hallmark symptom, with patients focusing hot water on their abdomen for relief• Standard anti-nausea medications like Zofran don't work well; psychiatric medications like Haldol often provide better relief• Many patients question the diagnosis because cannabis is thought to help nausea rather than cause it• Treatment requires cannabis cessation, though symptoms may persist for months after quitting• Multiple theories explain CHS, including nerve hypersensitivity and paradoxical stress responses from high-dose THCTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

The cannabis available today is dramatically stronger than what existed in previous decades, with THC levels climbing from 1% in 1970 to 25-30% in 2025, creating serious risks particularly for young people who don't understand appropriate dosing. Dr. Grover shares how cannabis has been deliberately bred for higher potency and how new extraction techniques have created products with astronomical THC levels, leading to dangerous situations like young people consuming 60 times a reasonable dose.• Cannabis potency has increased from 1% THC in 1970 to 25-30% THC today through selective breeding• Modern extraction techniques allow THC to be added back into products, creating concentrations as high as 45% and above• A recreational dose of THC is between 2.5-15mg, but products often contain hundreds or thousands of milligrams• "Greening out" or cannabis toxicity causes symptoms like confusion, vomiting, decreased consciousness, and anxiety• Children are especially vulnerable to cannabis toxicity due to smaller body size• Most cannabis toxicity cases resolve within 24 hours with supportive care• Prevention requires understanding appropriate dosing and using cannabis judiciouslyTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Trauma is a crucial aspect of addiction treatment, often serving as the underlying cause for substance use. In this illuminating interview with trauma therapist Dr. Jessica Cooper, we explore the mechanics of trauma therapy and how it helps people heal from devastating experiences.• Breaking down trauma therapy into three essential phases: establishing safety, processing memories, and reconnection/integration• Understanding how childhood trauma creates patterns that can lead to re-traumatization in adulthood• Exploring the "fawn" trauma response (people-pleasing) alongside the better-known fight/flight/freeze responses• Examining the differences in approach between single-incident trauma vs. complex, repeated trauma• Creating a trauma timeline with "stones" (traumatic events) and "flowers" (protective factors)• Processing traumatic memories through multiple perspectives: factual, sensory, emotional, and belief-based• Recognizing signs of healing while understanding recovery is non-linear• Using creative expression as a powerful tool in trauma recovery• Developing a collaborative approach to trauma treatmentTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Exploring the growing problem of recreational nitrous oxide use and its serious medical complications, including paralysis and permanent nerve damage. I share personal patient cases and investigate how this addictive substance is readily available in smoke shops and even on Amazon with minimal warning labels.• Multiple patients experiencing serious neurological complications from recreational nitrous oxide use• Personal investigation revealing easy access to nitrous oxide on Amazon marketed for whipped cream making• How nitrous oxide depletes vitamin B12, leading to potential spinal cord and peripheral nerve damage• Examination of labeling issues with commercial nitrous oxide products• Comprehensive overview of nitrous oxide's history, effects, and recreational use patterns• Medical complications including acute risks (seizures, cardiac issues) and chronic effects (neurological damage)• Treatment approaches focusing on vitamin B12 supplementation and addiction therapies• Growing prevalence of nitrous oxide use, especially among young peopleRemember that treating addiction saves lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please reach out for professional help.To contact Dr. Grover: ammmadeeasy@fastmail.com

Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I provide a comprehensive guide to treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy, examining evidence-based approaches that protect both mother and baby through critical periods of care. The statistics are sobering - opioid use disorder in pregnancy has more than doubled in recent years, with overdoses now a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death.• Two major medical societies (ACOG and ASAM) recommend treating with methadone or buprenorphine rather than attempting medication-free withdrawal• Buprenorphine shows slight advantages over methadone for pregnancy outcomes, but the best choice is whichever medication keeps the mother sober• Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when babies experience withdrawal after birth, but can often be managed with supportive care rather than medication• Medication dosages often need adjustment during pregnancy as increased blood volume dilutes medication concentration• Breastfeeding is compatible with both methadone and buprenorphine treatment• The postpartum period brings unique challenges that increase relapse risk, requiring enhanced support for new mothers• Two patient cases illustrate both successful treatment and the challenges of maintaining recovery while parenting a newbornVisit centralcoastoverdoseprevention.org to learn more about preventing overdose deaths in your community.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

This episode provides a deep dive into the complexities of addiction medicine learned from seeing patients in my practice. Through real patient cases, I highlight the importance of tailored approaches to addiction that consider both the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery.We discuss• Insights into demographics of substance use in a rural setting • The effectiveness of dual medication therapies for alcohol use disorder • The link between trauma and substance use disorders • Emerging concerns surrounding kratom as a public health issue • The significance of managing co-occurring ADHD in addiction treatmentTo contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Dive into the intriguing world of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a potential ally against cannabis use disorder. Discover the latest research on how NAC might reduce cravings and help individuals manage their addiction. The podcast also navigates the complex statistics surrounding cannabis use disorder, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment options. Get a grasp on NAC's mechanism of action and its role in the addiction landscape, while exploring clinical trial results that shed light on its effectiveness.

Trauma plays a pivotal role in the journey of addiction, with many individuals using substances as a means to cope with unresolved issues. Addressing PTSD is crucial for effective recovery, as understanding the link between trauma and addiction can empower individuals toward healing. In this episode we discuss:• Trauma and its historical context in PTSD understanding • Description of brain responses to trauma and the feedback loop • Big T and little t traumas and their cumulative effects • The connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult illnesses • The importance of a trauma-informed approach in treatment • Case studies illustrating the impact of trauma on addiction recovery • Recommendations for therapeutic interventions and medication optionsI reference a podcast episode at the beginning of the episode. Here's a link to that episodehttps://lemonadamedia.com/podcast/trauma-with-dr-gabor-mate/To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Understanding the teenage brain’s vulnerability to addiction can help parents and educators guide youth more effectively. This episode explores the brain's development, early drug use risks, emotional impairment, and effective prevention strategies drawn from successful programs like Iceland's. Key points:• Teenage brains develop until around age 26, with the prefrontal cortex being critical for decision-making • Early substance use increases the risk of developing addiction • Social and emotional learning is impaired by drugs and alcohol • Nick Sheff's story highlights the long-term effects of early addiction • Dopamine plays a crucial role in pleasure, survival, and addiction risk • Teenagers have lower baseline dopamine levels, driving them to seek new experiences • Iceland's approach to reducing adolescent addiction focuses on positive activities and parental engagement • Organized activities are protective against addiction, creating positive environments for teens • Conclusion emphasizes the critical role of understanding and intervention in preventing addiction'To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com

Can personal stories of struggle and resilience reshape our understanding of addiction? The answer is YES! My patients teach me about addiction all the time!Join me, Dr. Casey Grover, as I share the powerful stories of three patients whose experiences challenge society’s perceptions of addiction. Their journeys highlight the need for understanding over judgment and the vital role healthcare providers play in supporting those in need.  This episode is a heartfelt call to action. Byy raising awareness and extending support, we can improve addiction treatment and break the stigma surrounding this complex issue. Listen in and join a community committed to compassion, advocacy, and meaningful change.To contact Dr. Grover: ammadeeasy@fastmail.com