An increasing number of athletes who have suffered life-altering injuries are turning towards unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics, specifically magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular with athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a paradigm shift in the sports community’s view of alternative therapies as athletes search for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, which suggests that they likely procure them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of magic mushroom consumption have had a profound impact on their mental health and the hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes’ mental health challenges are often on par with, and sometimes even surpass, those experienced by the general population.
- Psychedelics might stimulate neuron growth, possibly providing therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain damage.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, assisting athletes grappling with the fallout of injuries or high levels of stress.
Athletes’ Accounts as Featured in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, investigates how athletes are utilizing psychedelics to cope with severe sporting injuries.
A particularly compelling account comes from Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He confronted a series of struggles including seven diagnosed concussions, dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These challenges became so debilitating that even basic family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo sought solutions in medical literature and discovered a study on psilocybin conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a more casual environment.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his usual practice of microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of larger quantities. Additionally, he his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
He emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient rest, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight to maintain his vitality.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo is not the only athlete who has resorted to psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. A multitude of professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to enhance their overall wellness, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study carried out by Courtney Walton, a research 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 be a promising solution to mental health problems among athletes, particularly those resulting from common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and coping with interpersonal conflict and disagreements.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly crucial for athletes. The brain controls various bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech production, and coordination of movement. Individuals with impaired mental function may experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focusing is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could have in enhancing this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He indicated 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 Perspectives
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes compelling when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, especially in the treatment of depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of thorough research on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
The potential advantages of psychedelics, such as their role in neuron growth, have been relatively unexplored in the context of brain injury recovery.
Researchers studying the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments emphasize the need for careful handling. Given their potent impacts, psychedelics could potentially invoke psychological issues in individuals who are psychologically susceptible.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain
The effects of psychedelics vary depending on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. Health Canada notes that these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. These modifications may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocybin doesn’t directly cause these effects; instead, when ingested, it metabolizes into psilocin, the compound responsible for the resultant changes. Psilocin stimulates 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, suggests that these cells are the brain’s primary computational units, functioning as the main processing center. When psilocin triggers these receptors, it alters brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive functions and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classical psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to regulate inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured areas, aiding tissue repair post-injury. In animal trials, DMT has shown promise in minimizing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a safe and trustworthy avenue for individuals seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee secure transactions by delivering goods through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
An online magic mushroom dispensary offers a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product comes with its own distinctive features and benefits, enabling users to select the one that best matches their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Those who love mushroom flavors and desire rapid, intense experiences |
| Edible Products/ Drinks | Individuals looking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | People keen on integrating mushrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in assisting athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer various approaches for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This method yields encouraging and sustained outcomes, as evidenced in multiple studies.
Although psychedelics haven’t received official approval as a treatment option by the medical profession, specialists caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for secure usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews unveil diverse consumption patterns: some prefer sporadic high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics hold significant potential in augmenting mindfulness abilities. This might foster deep concentration, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medical mushroom dispensary?
Medical mushroom stores primarily sell a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider going to a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be careful to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or suppliers falsely marketing authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research shows that this integrative approach can foster a deeper understanding. Assisting individuals in interpreting the revelations from high-dose mushroom experiences enriches the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics aid in pain management?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not extensively researched. Yet, Anna Symonds, a former American rugby player, has suggested the possible advantages of cannabis for pain relief.
F. Z. Zia and their team from the National Institutes of Health have scrutinized the prospective application of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics could potentially ease various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated disorders like PTSD and major depression.
There is a scarcity of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, or the routine intake of small quantities, is a distinct aspect of psychedelic usage. This practice has grown popular among athletes as it limits adverse effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Embracing this method could lead to long-lasting benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful circumstances.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
