As a response to life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are increasingly becoming a go-to solution for athletes in search of relief and rehabilitation. This emerging trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s outlook on alternative therapies, as athletes pursue innovative solutions for their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The consumption of these magic mushrooms has had a significant impact on their mental health and other hardships they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates that are similar to or sometimes higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or intense stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, explores how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with significant sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly compelling story. He suffered from seven diagnosed concussions, resulting in symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so severe that even straightforward family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo, after exploring medical literature, stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a less formal environment.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional consumption of larger quantities. Additionally, he regular brain scans and blood tests are part of his health-focused routine.
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient rest, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy levels and overall well-being.
Athletes and the Appeal of Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics as a tool to navigate life’s challenges. A considerable number of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, with a goal to enhance their overall wellness, specifically addressing mental health concerns.
Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, conducted research indicating that elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to, or exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to show potential in addressing mental health challenges in athletes, especially those stemming from common obstacles such as reluctance to therapy, identity issues during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal stress and disputes.
The role of psychedelics in mental health care is particularly important for athletes. The brain is responsible for a multitude of bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech facilitation, and coordination of movements. Individuals experiencing diminished mental functionality might witness a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could serve in boosting this concentration. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He shared that the consumption of a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants possessing psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field agree that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain mental health conditions.
In a discussion with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, shared that the proposition becomes persuasive when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, specifically in addressing depression, with some notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics might promote
Despite the potential for neural growth, only a handful of studies have directly investigated the potential advantages in the context of brain damage recovery.
While scientists delve into the possible use of psychedelics for mental health treatment and brain injury recovery, they also emphasize the need for careful use. The potent impact of psychedelics may ignite psychological issues, particularly in those already psychologically fragile.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The effect of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, leading to changes in sensory perception. Such alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, touch sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, after ingestion, it transforms into psilocin, the compound accountable for these effects. Psilocin triggers 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, points out that these cells are critical to brain computations, serving as the central processing hub. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding treating brain injuries, several theories propose how psychedelics could be advantageous. Traditional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and can also restrain cytokine inflammatory cells. This double action could improve blood circulation to injured regions and encourage tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage induced by artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering items through reputable carriers like Canada Post.
On browsing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover an extensive array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its distinct characteristics and benefits, allowing users to select the one that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who relish the flavor of mushrooms and prefer strong, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who desire to mask undesired tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals considering the inclusion of shrooms in their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms hold promise in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes grappling with injuries and job-related stress. They offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This combination yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as evidenced in multiple studies.
While psychedelics are yet to receive official endorsement as a therapeutic approach from the medical fraternity, experts caution that a thorough understanding is essential for the safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Common Queries
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual needs and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a spectrum of consumption patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or uplift overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that there is genuine potential in utilizing low doses of psychedelics to augment mindfulness practices. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I procure magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets predominantly sell a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors purporting to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers couple therapy sessions with the intake of psychedelics. Research suggests that this integrated approach can foster a more profound understanding of one’s psyche. Facilitating individuals in deciphering the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related distress?
Can psychedelics be used as a solution for pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is still largely undetermined. Yet, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has alluded to the possible advantages of cannabis for pain relief.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have examined the prospective use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics might help soothe various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “efficient supplements” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, studies concerning acute pain and the use of psychedelics are sparse.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimens?
Microdosing, the habitual intake of minuscule amounts, is a distinct method of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic gains. Incorporating this routine can lead to sustained benefits, such as enhanced cognitive agility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Contributors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
