A growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional healing and recovery methods in the wake of severe, life-altering injuries.
Among these unconventional approaches, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly prevalent among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend embodies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes explore new avenues to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom usage has had a substantial effect on their mental well-being and other hurdles they confront.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates that are on par with or even surpass those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may foster neuron growth, possibly offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from traumatic 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 levels of stress.
Athletes’ Stories as Described in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the topic of athletes using psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
The article features a particularly moving account by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo experienced seven diagnosed concussions, which led to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even ordinary family activities posed significant challenges.
Carillo initiated his own research into medical literature and stumbled upon a study on psilocybin conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
In an interview with CNN, he detailed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional usage of larger doses. Furthermore, he maintains his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, adequate rest, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight in maintaining his energy levels.
Why Athletes Are Attracted to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. A host of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall wellness, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, a research scholar 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 appears to show promise in addressing mental health challenges among athletes, especially those resulting from common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal conflict and tension.
The application of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly critical for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those suffering from diminished mental functionality might experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in augmenting this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He pointed out that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Researchers in this 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, told CNN Sport that the case becomes intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed to the scarcity of comprehensive data on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
The potential advantages of psychedelics in promoting neuron growth following a brain injury have yet to be thoroughly investigated.
Professionals studying the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health treatments and brain injury recovery emphasize the need for prudence. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics might provoke psychological issues if consumed by those in a psychologically vulnerable condition.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific substance consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, as per Health Canada, are mushrooms filled with hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to sensory changes. These alterations include visual or auditory hallucinations, feeling physical sensations, emotional shifts, and even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is converted into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound that causes 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 and long-time researcher of psychedelics, explains that these cells function as the main computation units of the brain, serving as the key hub for all processing. Psilocin’s stimulation of these receptors modifies brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, several hypotheses propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Conventional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to regulate inflammation, and may also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to the injured area and stimulate tissue repair post-injury. Animal studies have shown that DMT can reduce brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: The Road to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a secure and dependable avenue for individuals seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries provide safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will come across a diverse collection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and benefits, enabling users to select an option that aligns best with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers seeking intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those aiming to mask bitter flavors and avert nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Users interested in adding shrooms to their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms may assist athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress by offering a range of symptom management strategies, particularly when combined with therapy. Numerous studies demonstrate that this approach yields encouraging and durable outcomes.
Although psychedelics are not officially accepted as a treatment method by the medical field, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or small quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews reveal diverse consumption habits: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer smaller doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have significant potential to amplify mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily sell a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider visiting a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I incorporate psychotherapy while 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 and experiences. Assisting individuals to interpret the insights from high-dose mushroom trips can enrich the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related
Psychedelics’ role in pain management is not extensively examined. Yet, Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has intimated the possibility of cannabis offering benefits in this field.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health have explored the potential application of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their findings hint that psychedelics might alleviate diverse pain forms, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team postulates that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
Research on the application of psychedelics for acute pain is sparse.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, the routine intake of small quantities, is a distinctive facet of psychedelic usage. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its potential to mitigate adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this practice can result in sustainable benefits, notably improved cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Contributors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
