Following severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are gaining traction with athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies as athletes look for fresh solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to taking shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their experience with magic mushrooms has had a profound influence on 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 population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, offering potential therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics lies in their potential to positively impact mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the repercussions of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Report
Amy Woodyatt’s report on the CNN website, featuring input from George Ramsay, investigates athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared an especially compelling account. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These issues escalated to a point where even simple family excursions became daunting endeavors.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by Imperial College London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
During a chat with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of larger doses. In addition, he regularly monitors his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, limiting sugar and alcohol consumption, and getting enough sunlight to maintain his health and vigor.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has resorted to using psychedelics to help manage life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall wellness, especially in regards to mental health.
Research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, shows that elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to offer potential solutions for athletes’ mental health struggles, particularly those related to common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing personal conflict and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain is responsible for several bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and coordination of movements. Those experiencing mental health issues may see a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is essential in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in boosting concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consumption of a brew containing ayahuasca – a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties – positively impacted his performance in football.
Expert Views
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have proven effective 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 looked at from the perspective of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few noteworthy exceptions.
Regarding brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive knowledge in the application of psychedelics for brain injury treatment. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may encourage
The potential advantages of psychedelic substances for neuron growth in the context of brain injury recovery have been scarcely examined directly.
Even as experts probe into the possible uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatments, they emphasize the need for prudence. Given their potent effects, psychedelics might provoke mental disturbances if consumed by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Comprehending the Interactions of Psychedelics with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies based on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce sensory modifications. These alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile perceptions, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly produced by psilocybin; rather, after consumption, it is transformed into psilocin, the compound that is responsible for the effects. Psilocin triggers the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central conduit where all processing takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in modifications in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognition and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, several hypotheses propose how psychedelics could be helpful. Classic psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and also restrict cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured regions and advance tissue repair post-injury. In animal research, DMT has demonstrated efficacy in decreasing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Recovery with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for individuals seeking authentic magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe transactions by delivering items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that aligns best with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom aficionados who value intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People who wish to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals wanting to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms are showing promise in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This tactic yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as numerous studies indicate.
Despite the lack of formal endorsement from the medical community, experts caution that understanding the intricacies of magic mushroom consumption is crucial for safe use.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes take psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual needs and preferences. According to CNN interviews, some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris posits that low-dose psychedelic use has significant potential for improving mindfulness skills. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail. For magic mushrooms, you may want to consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers fraudulently marketing authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical trials, therapy sessions are often combined with psychedelic use. Research suggests that this dual approach can foster a more profound understanding. Guiding individuals through the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for managing pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is a relatively uncharted territory. Anna Symonds, a former rugby player from the U.S., has hinted at the possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and his team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential application of psychedelics in offering relief from chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics might be effective in diminishing different kinds of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
The number of studies focusing on acute pain and its relationship with psychedelics is quite limited.
What’s the potential of integrating psychedelics into athletes’ routines?
Microdosing, which involves consistently consuming small doses, is a unique characteristic of psychedelic use. It has garnered attention among athletes due to its capability to reduce negative impacts while retaining therapeutic advantages. Implementing this routine could lead to durable benefits, such as heightened cognitive flexibility, which is vital for efficient decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
