The objective of this study was to conduct a review of the benefits and adverse effects of cannabis (or marijuana) legalization in various states across the US. The current study offers a preliminary evaluation of the problems concerning marijuana legalization in several states, with the primary goal being the assessment of the impact of laws and policies governing the legalization and use of marijuana for medical purposes. A comprehensive search on cannabis and its derivatives was performed using multiple resource databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials), government web sources, and the Department of Public Health databases. A total of 47 reports that evaluated the effects of cannabis legalization were included in this review. All review stages were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted in standardized tables by one reviewer and adjusted by a second, which were verified by the third author. We examined the use of cannabis before and after the changes in policy and the impact of marijuana legalization on traffic safety, behavior and educational achievement in adolescents, public health, tax revenues, criminal justice expenditures, and financial outcomes. We analyzed the effects and consequences of marijuana use in states that have or have not legalized marijuana. This report also includes the responsiveness of the people in states where marijuana is legalized and its value in the healthcare system. Our study highlights the existing limitations of reviews that probe the effect of decriminalizing marijuana in some states of the country. Our analysis shows that detailed and precise evaluation of policy dynamics must be conducted, taking into account the heterogeneity in population subgroups and policies. Accordingly, in states where marijuana is used for its medicinal value and recreational purposes, people have different views on the legalization of marijuana. The complete effect of legalizing and commercializing marijuana on consumers' mental health and their educational outcomes is expected to take a longer duration prior to its achievement; unfortunately, fewer merits are anticipated. Most of the reports evaluated in this article proved to be marred with inconsistencies. Many of the stated claims did not pass a methodical evaluation. Going forward, additional data from available sources will lead to stronger conclusions. We weighed the pros and cons of marijuana legalization. However, we are certain that consumers can make better decisions by weighing each opinion by its reliability and safety.

Eating disorders (EDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) commonly co-occur, especially in conjunction with affective syndromes, yet little is known about opiate abuse and ED symptoms in patients on naltrexone-bupropion therapy. Moreover, evidence suggests that the opioid system can also be regarded as one of the major systems regulating the anticipatory processes preceding binge eating episodes. The lack of evidence in the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatment in addition to psychotropic mediations compounds the difficulties in stabilizing individuals with EDs. This article aims to exhaustively review literature relating to the use of opioid antagonists in the management of binge eating disorder (BED) and other abnormal eating habits and how this can be augmented by the use of psychological approaches to come up with the most effective therapy or combination of therapies to manage these conditions. Although this approach is promising, it has not been evaluated. A review of the literature pertaining to the use of naltrexone in patients with EDs was performed through PubMed, PsycINFO and MEDLINE. We selected 63 relevant articles published between 1981 and 2018 and those written in English. Search terms included "Opioid antagonists", "naltrexone", "bupropion" and "Psychotherapy" each combined with "Binge Eating Disorder", "Bulimia Nervosa", "Anorexia Nervosa", "Eating Disorder", "EDNOS" and "Obesity". While working with these articles, we also identified several problems related to use of these methods in real clinical practice. Seventy-seven articles were reviewed, and 63 were selected for inclusion. Data obtained from these sources confirmed that the blockade of opioid receptors diminishes food intake. More recent findings also indicate that the combination of bupropion and naltrexone can induce weight loss. Augmentation of this by introducing psychotherapy may lead to better outcomes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most frequently recommended psychotherapy intervention, showing efficacy for EDs and chemical addictions as documented by most of the studies, but with uncertain efficacy when utilized as augmentation strategy. There are limited data supporting the use of psychotherapy in augmentation of standard therapy in ED; however, there is evidence to support that psychotherapy is safe in this population and has been effective in cases of patients with opiate addiction with and without psychiatric comorbidities as well as BED. More research is needed to establish treatment guidelines. Combining pharmacotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic interventions leads to the achievement of a better outcome in managing patients with EDs. Involving families or the use of support groups increases chances of adherence to the prescribed interventions resulting in higher rates of remission. However, it is clear that all of these interventions must occur in the context of a comprehensive treatment program. We believe that patient-specific psychotherapy may not only facilitate the treatment process, but also cause sig...

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is reversible stress-induced cardiomyopathy featuring symptoms of acute myocardial infarction without significant coronary artery abnormalities. TTC is frequently precipitated by stressful emotional events but it also has been reported as a result of substance withdrawal, non-cardiac events, and dangerous drug-to-drug interaction. The plasma levels of both epinephrine and norepinephrine were significantly elevated in TTC patients, suggesting that elevated catecholamine levels might be the main contributing factor. However, the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to development and recurrence are not completely understood. It has been suggested that even a therapeutic dose of antidepressant could be a cause of drug-induced tachycardia and TTC. Moreover, some cases have been reported in which the development of TTC was associated with the serotonin syndrome, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and similar fatal consequences. The aim of this article is to explore the association between underlying psychiatric disorders and TTC and to determine the role of various psychotropic medications in the progression of stress-induced cardiomyopathy. This article also notes and discusses the current theories underlying the pathophysiology of TTC. This review suggests a serious side effect of antidepressants, and to avoid life-threatening cardiovascular events, such as TTC, for patients with affective and anxiety disorders, prior screening for cardiovascular conditions by ECG with close monitoring might be necessary.

Opioid agents play a unique role in pain and symptom management for cancer patients. Research shows that opiate use, especially when associated with underlying cancer, has significant effects on hematological parameters. These changes may lead to greater risk for immunosuppression, tumor growth and progression of metastatic processes. The aim of this review is to explore the effects of opiates on various metabolic and biological processes, as well as the hematopoietic system, especially in cancer patients. Our findings demonstrate that the tumor-promoting effects of opiates remain contradictory, as both growth-promoting and anti-tumor effects have been observed. However, available data suggest that opiates can facilitate the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, and understanding of this process on cancer treatment is tremendously important.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention programs aim to reduce trauma-related head injuries across the United States. In addition to epidemiological challenges, patients with TBI have a greater burden of disease and worse health outcomes than the general population. In these circumstances, the prevention of TBI is an important element in reducing the occurrence of post-traumatic health consequences in all settings and beyond. We completed a high-quality overview of TBI prevention programs using the public health approach to identify the most compelling risks to individuals through surveillance, data analysis, and field assessment. We explored the evidence-based programs that are proven to help individuals reduce the risk of TBI. To date, TBI programs have been very efficient, as evidenced by a sustained downturn in TBI incidence. However, recent socioeconomic and epidemiological challenges in the United States are affecting state and local TBI prevention efforts. This article is focused on strategies and solutions to reduce risks and/or consequences associated with head injuries from motor vehicle accidents in New York City. We believe this report is essential to guide the design and implementation of adequate preventive strategies and providing safe and high-quality patient care across all settings where healthcare is delivered.