In the wake of severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are investigating non-traditional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional options, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are gaining traction among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has notably affected their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to or even surpassing those of the general public.
- Psychedelics may stimulate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into athletes utilizing psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly poignant story. His struggles encompassed seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even basic family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study done by the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more recreational context.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Additionally, he regular health assessments such as brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of a routine physical exercise, sufficient rest, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular exposure to sunlight for maintaining his energy and health.
Psychedelics Attract Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics in tackling life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, particularly in dealing with mental health issues.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold potential for addressing mental health struggles among athletes, especially those related to common challenges such as therapy resistance, identity crisis during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal conflict and discord.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is crucial, particularly for athletes. The brain governs many bodily functions including organ regulation, thought process, emotional balance, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. A decline in mental function can lead to decreased performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this focus is garnering interest. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction derived from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, 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, especially in addressing depression, with a few distinct exceptions.
Regarding brain injury treatment with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive data. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
The potential benefits of psychedelic substances in the context of brain injury recovery have been relatively unexplored, despite their known impact on neuron growth.
As the possible therapeutic uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury continue to be investigated, experts emphasize the need for careful usage due to their potent effects. Psychedelics can potentially induce psychological disturbances, particularly in those already in a psychologically vulnerable state.
Exploring How Psychedelics Impact the Brain
The effect of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific substance consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, as defined by Health Canada, are mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds can lead to alterations in sensory perception, including visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, and even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps or changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
The hallucinogenic effects are not produced directly by psilocybin. Instead, the body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, the compound that triggers these effects. Psilocin acts on serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy with decades of experience researching psychedelics, these cells serve as the primary computational elements of the brain. They function as a central processing hub, and the activation of these receptors by psilocin can alter brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thus influencing cognitive function and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, several hypotheses suggest how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and might also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual role could enhance blood flow to injured regions and accelerate tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in mitigating brain damage resulting from arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a safe and dependable platform for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. By utilizing reliable delivery services like Canada Post, these dispensaries ensure secure transactions.
On browsing through an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover an array of shrooms and psychedelic products, each with unique characteristics and advantages. This variety enhances user choice, enabling them to select a product that meets their specific needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Individuals who favor the mushroom flavor and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People desiring to mask any distasteful flavors and evade nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to integrate mushrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate promise in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They propose various approaches for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This method yields encouraging, sustainable outcomes, as demonstrated by multiple studies.
Despite not being officially acknowledged as a treatment option by the medical fraternity, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates thorough understanding for risk-free usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The amount of psychedelics consumed varies based on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
According to Carhart-Harris, there is significant potential in utilizing small quantities of psychedelics to intensify mindfulness abilities. This can foster profound focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom outlet?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be careful to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or vendors who falsely promote authentic psychedelics.
Is it advisable to include talk therapy while using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, psychedelic consumption is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research indicates that this combined technique can facilitate a deeper comprehension of individuals’ insights from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help manage pain?
Although the utilization of psychedelics for pain management is an underexplored field, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has alluded to the possible advantages of cannabis in this sector.
F. Z. Zia and other researchers from the National Institutes of Health have studied the possible efficacy of psychedelics in managing chronic pain. According to their findings, psychedelics might help alleviate various forms of pain, including headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the treatment of chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
However, research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain is sparse.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of small amounts of psychedelic substances, is a distinctive way of using psychedelics. It has grown popular amongst athletes due to its capacity to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing 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:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
