In the wake of significant injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics, including magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This growing trend signifies a change in the sports community’s outlook towards alternative treatments as they search for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to consuming magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has had a profound effect on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health challenges at frequencies similar to, and sometimes exceeding, those of the general public.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to significantly improve mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athlete Experiences as Reported in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, explores athletes’ use of psychedelics to manage serious sports injuries.
A particularly poignant account was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These conditions became so debilitating that even routine family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started investigating medical research and found a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than partaking in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more leisurely context.
In an interview with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he regular monitoring of his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
Aside from using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderate consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular exposure to sunlight in maintaining his overall vigor.
Psychedelics’ Appeal to Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only sportsman who has resorted to psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. A diverse range of professional athletes have tried various substances such as ayahuasca to LSD, aiming to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to a study carried out by Courtney Walton, an academic scholar in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and associate, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates equal to or even higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to show potential in addressing mental health struggles among athletes, especially those arising from common obstacles like therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tension and disputes.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain governs various bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processes, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech capabilities, and movement coordination. Individuals with impaired mental functionality may experience a downturn in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in improving concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics, stating that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in this field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes noteworthy when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, particularly for treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris emphasized the current lack of comprehensive data on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the stimulating effect of psychedelics on neuron growth, scant research has delved into their prospective advantages following a brain injury.
As experts probe the potential uses of psychedelics in therapies for mental health and brain injuries, they underline the necessity for caution. Given their potent impact, psychedelics could possibly provoke psychological disruptions if utilized by individuals in a psychologically vulnerable state.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The effect of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. Consider magic mushrooms for instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms possessing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in sensory perception. These modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly triggered by psilocybin; instead, it is converted into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound accountable for the 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 and a long-term researcher of psychedelics since the 1960s, asserts that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the main hub for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which impacts cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, numerous theories propose how psychedelics may be advantageous. Classic psychedelics target serotonin receptors, known to control inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured areas and foster tissue repair post injury. In animal tests, DMT has proven effective in mitigating brain damage resulting from artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable outlet for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe transactions by dispatching items through trusted delivery services like Canada Post.
On exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter an extensive array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and advantages. This variety enlightens users about the benefits and enables them to select an option that ideally aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who have a liking for mushroom flavor and seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those considering the addition of shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Summary
Psychedelics, like mushrooms, display potential in assisting the mental well-being of athletes struggling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This approach leads to encouraging and persistent results, as demonstrated in numerous studies.
While psychedelics haven’t been officially approved as a therapeutic method by the medical field, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews highlight a variety of consumption habits: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses for heightened focus or improved overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there is significant potential in using minimal doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider checking out a magic mushroom or a psychedelic dispensary. Be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical trials, researchers couple therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Research suggests that this integrated approach can provide a deeper understanding. Facilitating individuals in interpreting the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences enhances the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related
Can psychedelics be used to alleviate pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is a territory less explored. Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has suggested that cannabis might offer benefits in this field.
F. Z. Zia together with a team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential application of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their findings indicate 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 the management of chronic pain and related disorders like PTSD and major depression.
Research on the application of psychedelics in acute pain management is sparse.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the habitual intake of minimal doses, is a unique dimension in the use of psychedelics. It has caught the attention of athletes due to its capacity to limit negative effects while preserving therapeutic gains. Incorporating this method could result in enduring benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Reads:
