In the wake of serious injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are increasingly sought after by athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies as athletes search for new ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that their source is likely a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has made a considerable difference in their mental health and other tribulations they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes often experience mental health problems at rates that are comparable to, or even higher than, those of the general public.
- Psychedelics could potentially promote neuron growth, offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes struggling with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences As Detailed in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with serious sports injuries.
The story of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, is particularly noteworthy. He battled with issues such as seven diagnosed concussions, symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even straightforward family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, he decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual environment.
In an interview with CNN, he disclosed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled intake of sugar and alcohol, and sun exposure for maintaining his energy levels.
The Attraction of Psychedelics for Sportspeople
Carillo is not alone among athletes who have sought the help of psychedelics to overcome life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, especially for mental health concerns.
According to research by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the 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 has shown potential in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those resulting from common obstacles like therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tensions and conflicts.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is crucial, particularly for athletes. The brain governs multiple bodily functions such as organ management, thought processing, emotion regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals experiencing diminished mental functionality could see a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is paramount in sports, and there’s growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with mind-altering properties, positively impacted his performance in football matches.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes persuasive when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, specifically for treating depression, with some exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive knowledge concerning the use of psychedelics. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics might promote
While there has been research into the neuron development promoted by psychedelics, not many studies have directly investigated their possible advantages following a brain injury.
As experts delve into the potential uses of psychedelics for mental health issues and brain injury treatment, they also emphasize the need to proceed with care. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could possibly induce psychological distress if consumed by individuals who are already psychologically vulnerable.
Exploring the Interactions Between Psychedelics and the Brain
Psychedelics’ effects can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. Let’s use magic mushrooms as an illustration. Health Canada informs that these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to changes in perception. Such changes could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional alterations, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly attributed to psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that causes the effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the brain’s cortical pyramidal cells.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, these cells serve as the main computational units of the brain, functioning as the central junction for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which in turn influence cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, there are several theories about how psychedelics may prove beneficial. Classical psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to assist in controlling inflammation, and have the ability to inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and foster tissue recovery after injury. In animal studies, DMT has demonstrated efficacy in reducing brain damage caused by artery blockage.
The Role of Magic Mushroom Dispensaries in Shroom-Based Healing
Magic mushroom dispensaries function as a trustworthy and dependable source for those interested in acquiring genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate secure transactions by dispatching goods through reputable carriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a diverse array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own distinct characteristics and benefits, allowing users to select an option that aligns with their individual preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | BEST SUITED FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the mushroom flavor and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who prefer masking the taste and avoiding nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals interested in seamlessly adding shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms could potentially assist athletes coping with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer diverse symptom management strategies, especially when paired with therapeutic methods. This combined approach has demonstrated encouraging and sustainable outcomes in various studies.
Despite the lack of formal approval from the medical community, experts caution that safe use of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies based on individual requirements and choices. As CNN interviews suggest, some opt for sporadic high doses, while others lean towards low doses to enhance focus or overall health.
According to Carhart-Harris, low doses of psychedelics potentially enhance mindfulness skills, fostering intense focus and facilitating flow state.
Is it possible to buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a psychedelic dispensary. However, be wary of illegal vendors or those falsely claiming to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should talk therapy be part of my psychedelic use?
In clinical trials, therapy sessions are often conducted alongside psychedelic use. Research suggests that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding. Guiding individuals through the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related stress?
Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
While the application of psychedelics for pain management is not yet fully understood, previous US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has suggested potential benefits of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted research on the potential use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their results suggest that psychedelics might alleviate a range of pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions, such as PTSD and major depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain, however, is limited.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves regularly consuming small quantities, is a unique aspect of psychedelic use that has gained traction amongst athletes. This approach minimizes adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Implementing this practice can lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
