In the wake of serious injuries, a growing number of sportspeople are considering non-traditional healing and recovery techniques.
Among these alternatives, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are gaining traction among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative treatment methods, as athletes pursue innovative solutions to their physical and mental challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside of a medical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom consumption have had a significant impact on their mental health and other obstacles they face.
[toc]Key Points:
- Athletes encounter mental health problems at rates similar to or sometimes higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, discusses athletes using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
A particularly powerful story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He grappled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These issues became so severe that even ordinary family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and found a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more casual environment.
During a discussion with CNN, he described his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of higher doses. Additionally, he to maintain optimal health, he frequently undergoes brain scans and blood tests.
He emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy levels, apart from his use of psilocybin.
Psychedelics’ Attraction for Athletes
Carillo is not the only athlete who has resorted to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, aiming to enhance their well-being, particularly in relation to mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic scholar in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to or even higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to offer potential in tackling mental health issues among athletes, particularly those stemming from common challenges like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and coping with interpersonal conflicts and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly critical for athletes. The brain controls numerous body functions such as organ regulation, thought processes, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Those with compromised mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in improving it. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a concoction from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, mentioned in an interview with CNN Sport that the situation becomes significant when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, specifically in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris emphasized the lack of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential for promoting neuron growth, only a handful of studies have delved into the possible advantages of using psychedelics in the wake of a brain injury.
As the potential of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatment is scrutinized, experts emphasize the need for prudence. Given their potent effects, psychedelics may instigate psychological disruptions if used by those in a psychologically fragile condition.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms for instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms comprising hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory modifications. Such transformations may involve visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly attributed to psilocybin; rather, it is converted into psilocin upon intake, 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 psychedelic research since the 1960s, explains that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central station where all processing takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
Regarding brain injury therapy, various theories propose how psychedelics could be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in managing inflammation, and they can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to damaged regions and foster tissue recovery post injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown efficacy in mitigating brain damage induced by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable platform for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering items through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
Perusing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover an array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product comes with its own unique traits and advantages, offering users the opportunity to select an option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Those who savor the mushroom flavor and appreciate quick, intense experiences |
| Edible/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | People interested in including mushrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms are displaying potential in aiding mental health for athletes coping with traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer a variety of strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This method has shown to deliver promising and long-lasting results, as demonstrated in numerous studies.
Although psychedelics are not officially recognized as a treatment approach by the medical community, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms requires thorough knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low dosages?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews highlight a spectrum of usage habits: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that there is significant potential in utilizing low doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock a selection of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and others. For magic mushrooms, consider exploring a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors erroneously claiming to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy while using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Research suggests that this integrated approach can facilitate a deeper understanding of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics relieve pain?
The exploration of psychedelics for pain relief is not yet exhaustive. However, insights from Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, hint at potential applications of cannabis in pain management.
A study conducted by F. Z. Zia and a team from the National Institutes of Health delved into the possible use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. The research indicates that psychedelics may be effective in reducing different types of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The study suggests that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Research on acute pain involving psychedelics remains scarce.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
The practice of microdosing, consuming small doses regularly, is a unique aspect of psychedelic use. It has gained traction among athletes for its potential to limit adverse effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Embracing this approach can produce sustainable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Principal Reference:
Athletes Turning to Psychedelics for Life-Changing Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
