As a result of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional approaches for healing and recovery.
Among these alternative treatments, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This development signifies a transformation in the sports community’s stance toward alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, implying they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has considerably influenced their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, or in some cases surpassing, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may facilitate neuron growth, possibly providing therapeutic benefits for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injury or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
George Ramsay contributed to Amy Woodyatt’s article on the CNN website, which explores athletes using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
A particularly poignant story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He grappled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so daunting that even straightforward family outings turned into difficult tasks.
In his quest for solutions, Carillo delved into medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more recreational setting.
During his interview with CNN, he disclosed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger amounts. In addition, he
To ensure his optimal health, he regularly undergoes brain scans and blood tests.
He emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to natural light to maintain his energy levels, apart from using psilocybin.
Psychedelics Attracting Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who uses psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to improve their overall wellness, more specifically, their mental health.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, a scholar in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those in the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in dealing with athletes’ mental health problems, especially those related to common issues like therapy resistance, identity crises during career shifts and injuries, and management of interpersonal conflicts and disagreements.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is very important, especially for athletes. The brain manages a variety of bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional control, memory storage, speech facilitation, and coordination of movements. People with impaired mental functioning may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus plays a crucial role in sports, and there’s a growing curiosity about how psychedelics might enhance this concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his experiences with psychedelics. He observed that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction of Amazonian plants with psychoactive effects, positively impacted his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating specific mental health conditions.
As shared with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, stated that the situation seems promising when looked at from a psychological therapy perspective, especially in dealing with depression, with a few exceptions.
In terms of brain treatments, Carhart-Harris pointed out the insufficient data on the use of psychedelics for brain injury treatment. Some research suggests that psychedelics could potentially stimulate
Despite the potential for neuron growth, only a small number of studies have directly investigated the possible advantages of these substances following a brain injury.
Even as the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health treatment and brain injury recovery are being examined, experts emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics, when used by psychologically vulnerable individuals, could potentially trigger psychological disturbances.
Elucidating the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms as an illustration. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in sensory perception. These modifications may include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly caused by psilocybin itself; rather, upon consumption, it is converted into psilocin, the compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors 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, explains that these cells are the main computational units of the brain, serving as the primary processing center. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which in turn affects cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury therapy, numerous theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to assist in regulating inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured regions and stimulate tissue repair following injury. Animal studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of DMT in reducing brain damage resulting from artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing Through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for individuals seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe purchases by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, a broad range of shrooms and psychedelic products can be found. Each product possesses unique characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom enthusiasts who seek intense, rapid psychedelic journeys |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals desiring to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | People keen on integrating shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms could potentially support the mental well-being of athletes coping with severe injuries and occupational stress. They offer diverse approaches for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This method produces encouraging and enduring outcomes, as demonstrated in various research.
Despite the lack of formal recognition from the medical field, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes take psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews have uncovered diverse usage patterns: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer lower doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris believes that low-dose use of psychedelics holds significant potential to boost mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically stock a variety of mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Should I incorporate talk therapy when using psychedelics?
During clinical trials, researchers combine therapy sessions with the use of psychedelics. Research suggests that this integrated approach may foster a deeper comprehension of one’s own experiences. Facilitating individuals to navigate the revelations from high-dose mushroom trips can enrich the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help with pain management?
The potential of psychedelics for pain management is not extensively studied. Nonetheless, Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has suggested that cannabis might have benefits in this field.
F. Z. Zia and her team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted research into the potential of psychedelics for the treatment of chronic pain. The findings suggest that psychedelics could ease various types of pain, such as headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in handling chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
The number of studies on the effect of psychedelics on acute pain is limited.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly consuming small amounts, is a distinctive method of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its ability to reduce negative impacts while still providing therapeutic benefits. Implementing this method could lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Reference:
Athletes Resorting to Psychedelics For Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reads:
