With the rise in life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are investigating unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are among these alternatives and are increasingly favored by athletes seeking respite and rehabilitation. This growing trend signifies a shift in the sports world’s mindset towards unconventional therapies as athletes search for fresh solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom consumption have had a substantial impact on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health challenges at a rate that is comparable to or can sometimes exceed those of the broader population.
- Psychedelics may stimulate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics lies in their potential to have a positive effect on mental health, providing support to athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or severe stress.
Athletes’ Personal Experiences as Reported in a CNN Article
On the CNN website, Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the topic of athletes using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
One particularly striking story is that of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo battled with seven diagnosed concussions resulting in symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These challenges became so intense that even simple family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of partaking in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with intermittent usage of larger amounts. Furthermore, he regularly monitors his health through periodic brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, reasonable consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight in maintaining his energy level.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo is not the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall wellness, particularly in relation to mental health.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the 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 mental health struggles among athletes, particularly those stemming from common challenges like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and management of interpersonal conflicts and disagreements.
The role of psychedelics in mental healthcare is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls many bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processes, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and coordination of movement. Individuals with compromised mental function may see a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is key in sports, and there is growing interest in the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He stated that consuming a brew with ayahuasca, a compound made from Amazonian plants possessing psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field suggest that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness 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 a psychotherapeutic lens, especially in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris emphasized the lack of extensive knowledge on the subject of psychedelic use. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential for promoting neuron growth, there are only a handful of studies that have directly investigated the potential benefits of psychedelics following a brain injury.
While exploring the potential use of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, specialists also emphasize the need for caution. Considering their powerful impact, psychedelics could potentially instigate psychological disruptions when used by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics can vary based on the specific kind consumed. Consider magic mushrooms for instance. Health Canada states that these are mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in perception. These modifications might include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in emotion, tactile sensations, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that causes the effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, claims that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the main hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which influences cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics might be beneficial. Classic psychedelics function on serotonin receptors, which are known to control inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This two-fold function could enhance blood flow to the injured areas and aid tissue repair after injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in reducing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing via Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable avenue for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering products through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a diverse array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and benefits, enabling users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | BEST SUITED FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who savor the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, immediate experiences |
| Edibles/Drinks | People desiring to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals keen on introducing shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms can potentially aid athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. These substances offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, especially when coupled with therapy. Such an approach has yielded encouraging and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal recognition from the medical community, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding to ensure safe use.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies based on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews disclose diverse consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or elevate overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics have a real potential in augmenting mindfulness skills, helping to foster intense focus and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you may consider checking out a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. However, be vigilant to steer clear of unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy while using psychedelics?
In clinical trials, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this blended approach can deepen the understanding of one’s self. Assisting individuals in interpreting the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help in managing pain?
The application of psychedelics in pain management is an area that has not been fully explored. However, ex-US rugby player Anna Symonds has alluded to the potential advantages of cannabis in this field.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and their team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible application of psychedelics in chronic pain treatment. Their findings suggest that psychedelics could help relieve 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 like PTSD and severe depression.
However, studies examining the use of psychedelics in acute pain management are limited.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly consuming small doses, is a distinctive way of using psychedelics. It has become popular among athletes because it can reduce negative side effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Adopting this method can lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility – a key factor for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Source:
Athletes with Life-Changing Injuries Resort to Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
