An escalating number of athletes who have sustained severe injuries are turning to unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Among these non-traditional methods, psychedelics, particularly magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly favored by athletes seeking remediation and rehabilitation. This trend reflects a change in the sports community’s mindset towards alternative treatments, as athletes strive to find novel solutions for their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting their procurement from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom use significantly affects their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates that are comparable to or sometimes greater than the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, thereby offering potential therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes grappling with the repercussions of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Testimonies as Discussed in a CNN Article
In a CNN article by Amy Woodyatt, in collaboration with George Ramsay, the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with serious sports injuries is explored.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, provided a notably compelling account. His hardships included seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so daunting that even basic family outings turned into difficult undertakings.
Carillo began investigating medical research and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to ingest a substantial dose in a more recreational context.
During a conversation with CNN, he disclosed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he pursues a proactive approach to his well-being through routine brain scans and blood tests.
Apart from utilizing psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, proper rest, balanced consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular sunlight exposure for maintaining his energy levels.
The Attraction of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only sportsman who has resorted to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have dabbled with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, specifically in regards to mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, a scholarly fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are comparable to, or even exceed, those of the average population. Psychedelic therapy seems to show potential in tackling mental health struggles among athletes, especially those stemming from typical obstacles such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with interpersonal tension and conflicts.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is pivotal, especially for athletes. The brain controls several bodily functions like organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory preservation, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those suffering from diminished mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
In sports, concentration is a key element, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics might play in boosting this focus. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his own experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with mind-altering properties, had a positive impact on his football game performance.
Expert Opinions
Field experts assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in addressing 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 angle of psychological therapy, notably in managing depression, with several unique exceptions.
In terms of treating brain HTML: Carhart-Harris underscored the scarcity of thorough data on psychedelic usage and brain injury treatment. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics could potentially encourage
There is a scarcity of extensive research on the potential advantages of psychedelics in the context of brain injury recovery, despite their known role in neuron growth.
While considering the potential use of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, it’s important to remember the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics may provoke psychological instabilities if used by individuals who are emotionally susceptible.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Yield Their Effects
The effects of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada identifies these as mushrooms that carry hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to changes in sensory perception. Such alterations can involve visual or auditory hallucinations, physical sensations, emotional shifts, and even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; instead, when ingested, it is metabolized into psilocin, the compound accountable for these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy with decades of experience in studying psychedelics since the 1960s, suggests that these cells serve as the brain’s main computational units. They act as the core processing center. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby affecting cognition and perception.
Several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating brain injuries. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help manage inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action might enhance blood flow to damaged areas and foster tissue repair following an injury. In animal experiments, DMT has proven effective in mitigating brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for individuals in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe transactions by dispatching products through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
Upon visiting an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a broad array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | People who love the flavor of mushrooms and desire an intense, quick experience |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to incorporate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms hold potential in supporting the mental health of athletes facing traumatic injuries and occupational pressures. They offer various methods for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This combined approach yields hopeful and long-lasting outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics have not yet been formally accepted as a treatment approach by the medical community, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe use.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews provide insights into various consumption patterns: some prefer sporadic high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics hold significant potential in fostering mindfulness skills. This can help develop intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores predominantly offer a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Be vigilant to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often paired with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding of one’s self. Assisting individuals in interpreting the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
While the application of psychedelics in pain management remains relatively uncharted territory, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested that cannabis could potentially offer benefits in this regard.
F. Z. Zia and a team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics may help relieve a range of pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, studies on the effect of psychedelics on acute pain are scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the practice of consuming small, regular doses, is a unique facet of psychedelic use. This method has gained traction among athletes due to its potential to mitigate adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Incorporating this practice could lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under pressure.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
