Amidst life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are delving into unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are increasingly being favored by athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation, marking a shift in the sports community’s view towards alternative therapies. Athletes are thus turning to new solutions for their physical and mental challenges.
Most athletes admit to using shrooms away from a clinical setting, suggesting they probably sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has considerably influenced their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- The mental health issues athletes confront are often on par with or sometimes even surpass those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neural growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or severe stress.
Athletes’ Stories as Reported in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, in collaboration with George Ramsay, delves into athletes’ use of psychedelics to manage serious sports injuries.
One particularly compelling account is that of Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems were so overpowering that even basic family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo started exploring medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a significant dose in a more recreational environment.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He ensures to stay healthy by frequently undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient rest, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and enough exposure to sunlight to maintain his vigor.
Psychedelics’ Attraction to Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete to seek the aid of psychedelics in navigating life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD with the goal of enhancing their overall health, especially concerning mental health problems.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are similar to, or even exceed, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold potential in addressing these mental health issues among athletes, particularly those stemming from common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tensions and conflicts.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain regulates numerous bodily functions such as organ functioning, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech activation, and movement coordination. Those who suffer from impaired mental functionality may experience a decline in their performance and concentration.
In sports, maintaining focus is crucial, and there is growing interest in the potential role psychedelics could have in boosting this concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He shared that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a compound made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating specific mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, expressed in an interview with CNN Sport that the case becomes compelling when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, especially in the treatment of depression, with some notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the paucity of extensive information regarding the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics might nurture
Despite the significant influence of psychedelics on neuron growth, there is a scarcity of studies that have directly investigated their potential benefits after a brain injury.
While considering the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, specialists stress the necessity of prudence. Given their strong impacts, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disorders when utilized by those in a psychologically fragile state.
Comprehending How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The way psychedelics affect individuals can differ depending on the specific kind consumed. Consider magic mushrooms for instance. As per Health Canada, these fungi contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, resulting in sensory modifications. These alterations can range from visual or auditory hallucinations to tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly produced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin, the compound accountable for the effects, once consumed. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors that are located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a Purdue University School of Pharmacy professor who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, asserts that these cells serve as the brain’s primary computational units, functioning as the central processing hub. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
With respect to brain injury therapy, various theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics influence serotonin receptors, which are known to help control inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to wounded areas and stimulate tissue repair post-injury. In animal research, DMT has shown effectiveness in reducing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering items through trusted carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its distinct attributes and advantages. This variety elucidates the benefits and empowers users to select an option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Those who savor mushroom flavors and seek quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended sessions |
| Capsules | Individuals willing to incorporate mushrooms into their wellness regimen by microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics, like mushrooms, have demonstrated potential in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and occupational stressors. They offer various approaches for symptom control, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This method yields encouraging and enduring effects, as corroborated by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics are yet to receive formal endorsement as a treatment procedure from the medical fraternity, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for their safe usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption pattern of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and preferences. Interviews conducted by CNN disclose diverse consumption habits: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or bolster general health.
Carhart-Harris posits that the potential for using small doses of psychedelics to augment mindfulness skills is considerable. This could foster profound concentration, which facilitates achieving a state of flow more easily.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores predominantly stock a variety of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the usage of psychedelics?
In controlled trials, scientists couple therapy sessions with psychedelic intake. Research suggests that this synergistic approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences, thus enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
Psychedelics’ role in pain management is still largely unexplored. Nevertheless, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has indicated possible advantages of cannabis for pain relief.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential application of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics may ease various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
The number of studies focusing on acute pain and psychedelics remains small.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly consuming low doses, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its potential to reduce side effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. This method can lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is crucial for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reading:
