As a result of severe injuries, an escalating number of athletes are turning to non-traditional methods for healing and recovery.
Psychedelics, including magic mushrooms, are growing in popularity as more athletes seek relief and recuperation from these unconventional sources. This trend signifies a shift in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative therapies as athletes search for new ways to overcome their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they probably sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has had a profound impact on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to or often exceeding the general population.
- Psychedelics could potentially stimulate neuron growth, offering therapeutic possibilities for those recovering from serious brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Personal Accounts as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, contributed by George Ramsay, investigates the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with severe sports injuries.
One particularly poignant story comes from Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He suffered from seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even simple family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo delved into medical research and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a less formal setting.
In an interview with CNN, he discussed his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin, supplementing this routine with occasional usage of larger doses. He also
He ensures his health is always optimal by carrying out regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight in maintaining his vigor.
Why Athletes Are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought help from psychedelics to cope with life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall well-being, especially regarding mental health concerns.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates equivalent to or even exceeding those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those arising from common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain manages many bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional control, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. People experiencing diminished mental functionality may see a decrease in their performance and concentration.
Concentration is crucial in sports, and interest in the potential role of psychedelics in boosting this aspect is growing. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his experiences with psychedelics. He shared that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Views from the Experts
Researchers in the field assert that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes compelling when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, particularly in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of thorough information on the use of psychedelics. Some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential of psychedelics to promote neuron growth, their direct benefits post-brain injury isn’t widely researched.
While the potential of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments is being explored, it’s important to exercise caution due to their powerful effects. Psychedelics could potentially induce psychological disturbances when used by psychologically vulnerable individuals.
Comprehending the Effect of Psychedelics on the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. Take magic mushrooms, for example. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause sensory changes. These alterations could involve visual or auditory hallucinations, physical sensations, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms like muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocin, into which psilocybin is metabolized upon ingestion, is what actually causes these effects. This compound stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and a long-time researcher of psychedelics, explains that these cells are the main computational units of the brain, serving as the central processing hub. When psilocin activates these receptors, it alters brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thus influencing cognitive function and perception.
There are several theories concerning the potential benefit of psychedelics for brain injury treatment. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation regulation, and can also block cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and encourage tissue recovery post-injury. Animal studies have shown that DMT can decrease brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe transactions by delivering products through reliable couriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses distinct characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that suits their preferences and needs best.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and prefer intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals looking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals seeking to incorporate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms hold promise in assisting athletes’ mental health grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various symptom management methods, particularly when combined with therapy, leading to potentially significant and long-lasting outcomes as demonstrated in several studies.
Although psychedelics haven’t yet gained formal acceptance as a therapeutic approach in the medical world, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for secure usage.
Common Queries
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual requirements and preferences. CNN reports highlight diverse consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others lean towards low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics hold significant potential to boost mindfulness abilities. This can foster deep concentration, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I procure magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide various mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and so on. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Ensure to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy while utilizing psychedelics?
In clinical settings, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic intake. Research suggests that this integrated approach can foster a profound comprehension of individuals’ high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic journey.
Is there a role for psychedelics in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be utilized for pain control?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is an under-researched area. That being said, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has hinted at the potential effectiveness of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted research on the potential application of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. The findings suggest that psychedelics might help alleviate various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team believes psychedelics could serve as “efficient supplements” in the management of chronic pain and related disorders, such as PTSD and major depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain, however, is scarce.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimes?
Microdosing, or the routine intake of small quantities, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use. Its appeal among athletes stems from its capacity to mitigate adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. The adoption of 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 Source:
Injured Athletes Turning to Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
