In the wake of severe injuries that alter their lives, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these alternative methods, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are rising in popularity. Athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation are gravitating towards these substances, signaling a change in the sports community’s attitudes towards alternative therapies. Athletes are turning to new solutions to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The use of these substances has had a profound influence on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes often grapple with mental health issues at rates similar to, or sometimes even exceeding, those of the general public.
- Psychedelics could stimulate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injury or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Chronicled in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the usage of psychedelics by athletes as a treatment for severe sports injuries.
One particularly powerful story is that of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His struggles included seven diagnosed concussions, which led to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues were so debilitating that even straightforward family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a study on psilocybin at the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a less formal setting.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his routine of consistently microdosing psilocybin with occasional uses of larger amounts. Furthermore, he mental health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
Aside from using psilocybin, he emphasises the importance of regular physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics Among Athletes
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics in navigating life’s challenges. A host of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall well-being, especially in terms of mental health.
According to research by Courtney Walton, a psychology academic fellow at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to or even exceeding those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health concerns among athletes, especially those stemming from common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls various bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech, and movement coordination. Individuals with compromised mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and concentration.
Concentration is crucial in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in improving this focus. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He reported that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive effect on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Field researchers agree that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, especially for depression treatment, with a few significant exceptions.
Regarding brain treatment, Carhart-Harris emphasised the lack of extensive knowledge in the area of psychedelic use for treating brain injuries. Some studies suggest that psychedelics may enhance
While there is increasing interest in the potential of psychedelics for promoting neuron growth, very few studies have directly investigated their potential advantages following a brain injury.
Even as the potential uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatments are being explored, experts emphasize the need for care due to their powerful impacts. These substances could cause psychological disturbances if used by people who are psychologically vulnerable.
Exploring How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada states that these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to changes in the senses. These alterations might include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms like muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
However, these effects are not directly caused by psilocybin. Instead, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that induces these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the main hub where all processing happens. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which influences cognitive function and perception.
In relation to brain injury therapy, there are several theories suggesting the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to help manage inflammation, and can also inhibit inflammatory cytokine cells. This dual effect could enhance blood flow to injured areas and aid tissue recovery after injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage caused by artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Facilitating Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable source for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe transactions by delivering products through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select the one that best matches their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor mushroom flavors and prefer fast, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking to mask any unpleasant tastes and minimize nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to incorporate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms may support the mental well-being of athletes facing traumatic injuries and job-related stresses. They offer various methods for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy, yielding promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced in multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal endorsement of psychedelics as treatment options by the medical profession, experts stress the necessity for comprehensive knowledge for their safe consumption.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual requirements and preferences. As per CNN interviews, usage patterns vary: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics could potentially augment mindfulness abilities, fostering intense focus and facilitating attainment of a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily sell varieties like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to try a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, beware of illegal magic mushroom outlets or sellers misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, scientists often combine therapy sessions with psychedelic intake. Research suggests that this blended approach can foster a deeper understanding. Helping individuals interpret insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences can augment the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not yet fully understood. However, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has hinted at the possible advantages of using cannabis for this purpose.
Research led by F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health explores the possible use of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. They suggest that psychedelics could potentially provide relief for a variety of pain types, including headaches, cancer pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They further propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain are scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly taking small amounts of psychedelics, is a distinctive method of use that’s gaining popularity among athletes. It minimizes adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this practice can lead to long-lasting benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is crucial for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
