As they cope with life-altering injuries, an increasing number of athletes are turning towards unconventional healing and recovery strategies.
Among these non-traditional methods, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular for athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to ingesting magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has had a significant impact on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to or sometimes greater than the general population.
- Psychedelics may contribute to neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article on CNN’s website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared his compelling journey. His battles included seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so intense that even basic family activities became challenging.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a less formal setting.
During a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger quantities. Additionally, he
He prioritizes his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
Apart from his use of psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in consuming sugar and alcohol, and getting enough sunlight in maintaining his energy levels.
Athletes and Psychedelics: An Attraction
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics in navigating life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to improve their overall wellness, especially when it comes to mental health.
According to a study conducted by academic fellow in psychology, Courtney Walton, from the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates equal to or even higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in addressing these mental health problems among athletes, especially those brought about by common challenges such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing personal conflicts and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics for mental health care is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls many bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Those experiencing diminished mental functionality may see a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing interest in the potential role psychedelics can play in enhancing this. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants known for their psychoactive effects, 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, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from the lens of psychological therapy, particularly in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data in this area. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics could help nurture
Despite the growth of neurons being enhanced by psychedelics, only a handful of studies have proactively investigated their potential advantages following a brain injury.
While probing the possible uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, specialists also emphasize the need for careful handling. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological issues if used by individuals in a psychologically vulnerable state.
Comprehending How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for example. Health Canada states that these are mushrooms containing hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to sensory alterations. These alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocybin is not the direct cause of these effects; instead, it is metabolized into psilocin upon consumption, which is the compound that causes the effects. Psilocin triggers serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found on the cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at the Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has researched psychedelics since the 1960s, these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the main hub where all processing takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury treatment, numerous theories propose how psychedelics could be advantageous. Classic psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known to assist in regulating inflammation, and can also restrain cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual functionality could enhance blood flow to injured regions and encourage tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Recovery with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries act as a secure and dependable source for those pursuing genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe purchases by delivering items through reputable carriers such as Canada Post.
On browsing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a diverse range of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has distinct features and advantages which allows users to select an option that best corresponds to their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who prefer the flavor of mushrooms and seek immediate, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People who want to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended sessions |
| Capsules | Individuals interested in incorporating shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have demonstrated potential in supporting athletes’ mental health as they cope with traumatic injuries and professional stress. These substances offer several strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This combined approach yields promising and enduring outcomes, as numerous studies have indicated.
While the medical community has yet to formally acknowledge psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms requires a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small amounts?
Psychedelic usage varies based on individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for small doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low-dose psychedelic use holds significant potential for improving mindfulness. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily sell a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, to name a few. For magic mushrooms, it’s recommended to visit a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely promote authentic psychedelics.
Is talk therapy beneficial when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers often combine therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Evidence shows that this integrated approach can facilitate a deeper understanding and assist individuals in processing insights from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Are psychedelics effective for pain management?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not fully understood yet. However, ex-US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested that cannabis might have beneficial effects in this domain.
F. Z. Zia, along with his team at the National Institutes of Health, have been examining the possible application of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. Their research points towards the potential of psychedelics to relieve different forms of pain, including headaches, pain associated with cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics can serve as “effective supplements” for managing chronic pain and associated disorders such as PTSD and major depression.
There is a scarcity of studies that look into the impact of psychedelics on acute pain.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, a practice of regularly consuming small quantities, has become a distinctive feature of psychedelic usage. This method is gaining traction among athletes as it curbs adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Adherence to this practice can lead to long-lasting results, such as enhancing cognitive flexibility, which is vital 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
Suggested Further Reading:
