As a response to life-altering injuries, a rising number of athletes are turning towards unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly prevalent among athletes seeking rehabilitation and respite. This surge in popularity underscores a shift in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative treatments, as athletes search for innovative ways to overcome their physical and mental challenges.
Most athletes admit to consuming magic mushrooms outside a clinical setup, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has notably shaped their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health issues at rates similar to, or sometimes surpassing, the general population.
- Psychedelics could facilitate neuron growth, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics lies in their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes grappling with the repercussions of injuries or severe stress.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Report
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, supplemented by George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes for coping with severe sports injuries.
A particularly poignant story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His challenges encompassed seven diagnosed concussions that led to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and chronic headaches. These issues were so debilitating that even simple family activities turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started investigating medical research and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than participating in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to consume a significant dose in a less formal setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he disclosed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin alongside occasional usage of larger quantities. Moreover, he proactive health maintenance through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin usage, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, proper sleep, limiting sugar and alcohol consumption, and receiving sufficient sunlight as key to maintaining his vigor.
Athletes’ Attraction to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete to resort to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. A host of professional athletes have explored substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, particularly with regards to mental health.
According to research led by Courtney Walton, a scholar in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in addressing athletes’ mental health challenges, especially those stemming from common obstacles such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal stress and conflict.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly crucial for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions such as organ control, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Reduced mental functionality can lead to performance and concentration degradation.
Focus is key in sports, and there’s growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in boosting it. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He observed that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating specific mental health disorders.
In a discussion with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, mentioned that the evidence becomes persuasive when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly in terms of depression treatment, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the dearth of comprehensive data on psychedelic usage and brain injury treatment. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may encourage
While there’s potential for psychedelic substances to aid in neuron growth post brain injury, direct studies on this are limited.
Despite the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, professionals stress the need for caution due to the potential for these powerful substances to provoke psychological issues in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms for instance. As per the information provided by Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin which can lead to altered sensory experiences. These alterations could be in the form of visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects aren’t directly due to psilocybin; rather, it gets metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that triggers these effects. Psilocin acts on serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a renowned professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has spent decades studying psychedelics, explains that these cells are the main computational elements of the brain, functioning as the core hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury therapy, several theories propose potential benefits of psychedelics. Traditional psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known to aid in controlling inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action may boost blood flow to injured areas and encourage tissue repair post injury. DMT, in animal studies, has shown efficacy in reducing brain damage resulting from blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Possible Avenue for Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe purchases by utilizing trusted shipping services like Canada Post.
By exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and advantages, offering users the flexibility to select an option that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those seeking the unique flavor of mushrooms and intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals desiring to mask any unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Users who wish to integrate shrooms into their daily health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have been shown to potentially assist athletes in managing mental health issues stemming from traumatic injuries and work-related stress. Paired with therapy, they offer various strategies for handling symptoms. This approach yields encouraging and enduring results, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
Despite the promising results, psychedelics have yet to gain formal recognition as a treatment approach within the medical field. Specialists caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low dosages?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual needs and preferences. Interviews conducted by CNN reveal a spectrum of usage patterns. While some prefer sporadic high doses, others opt for lower doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics possess significant potential in augmenting mindfulness abilities. This could foster deep focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, it’s advised to check a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or sellers who falsely promote authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic usage?
During clinical trials, researchers often combine therapy sessions with psychedelic usage. Research suggests that this integrated approach may help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. Facilitating the interpretation of insights from high-dose mushroom experiences enhances the overall psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
The potential of psychedelics for pain control is yet to be fully examined. However, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby athlete, hints at the possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health explores the possible employment of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. The research implies that these substances may help relieve different forms of pain such as migraines, cancer-associated pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “efficient supplements” in handling chronic pain and related disorders like PTSD and severe depression.
The number of studies concerning acute pain and psychedelics is quite limited.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the routine intake of minimal doses, is a unique practice related to psychedelic use. It has grown popular among athletes because it can reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Adopting this method can lead to enduring results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Writers:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
