As a response to life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to non-traditional methods for healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, the use of psychedelics like magic mushrooms is becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking both relief from pain and rehabilitation. This trend marks a change in the sports world’s attitude toward alternative therapies, with athletes exploring new ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of clinical settings, implying their procurement from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of mushroom usage have notably impacted their mental health and other obstacles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to, and often exceeding, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may foster neuron growth and offer therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics lies in their potential to positively affect mental health, supporting athletes grappling with the repercussions of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Described in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, explores the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with serious sports injuries.
An especially poignant story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo suffered from seven diagnosed concussions, leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even ordinary family activities turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started to explore medical research and came across 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 leisurely setting.
In a dialogue with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional usage of larger quantities. Moreover, he his well-being by frequently undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderate consumption of sugar and alcohol, and sunlight exposure in maintaining his vitality.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought out psychedelics for help in dealing with life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD as a means to enhance their overall well-being, especially with regard to mental health.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates equal to or even exceeding that of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to offer potential solutions to athletes’ mental health problems, especially those related to common issues such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal conflict and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain, which controls various bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination, can greatly affect performance and focus when its functionality is compromised.
Concentration is critical in sports, and there is growing interest in how psychedelics might help enhance this focus. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned how consuming a brew that included ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his performance on the football field.
Expert Opinions
According to researchers in the field, psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the use of psychedelics becomes particularly intriguing from a psychological therapy perspective, especially for treating depression, with some exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive research in this area. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential for psychedelics to stimulate neuron growth, there is a scarcity of research on their potential benefits in recovery from brain injuries.
While the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain injuries are being explored, experts emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially instigate psychological disturbances if used by those who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Yield Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms as an instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms with hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause sensory modifications. These modifications might include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle cramps and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound responsible for these effects. Psilocin stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at the Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has researched psychedelics since the 1960s, claims that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central hub for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding treatment of brain injuries, several theories propose how psychedelics could be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured regions and foster tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown efficacy in reducing brain damage resulting from arterial blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable platform for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe purchases by delivering items through reputable carriers like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a wide variety of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own distinctive characteristics and advantages, which enables users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEALLY SUITED FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and seek immediate, profound experiences |
| Edibles/ Beverages | Those in search of masking unpleasant tastes and circumventing nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | People aiming to integrate mushrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms bear potential in assisting athletes with mental health issues stemming from severe injuries and work-related stress. They offer diverse approaches to managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This method yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics have yet to receive official recognition as a therapeutic technique from the medical sector, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews expose diverse consumption patterns: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that there exists significant potential in utilizing low doses of psychedelics to augment mindfulness skills. This could foster deep focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores predominantly stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to check out a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be sure to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Is it advisable to combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapeutic sessions with psychedelic intake. Evidence suggests that this joint approach can foster a deeper comprehension of the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in handling injury-related Are psychedelics useful for managing pain?
Psychedelics’ role in pain management is an underexplored area. Yet, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has alluded to the potential advantages of cannabis for pain relief.
Researchers like F. Z. Zia and their colleagues at the National Institutes of Health have studied psychedelics’ potential in treating chronic pain. The research implies that psychedelics might be effective in mitigating various pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team suggests psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and related conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, research on the effects of psychedelics on acute pain is scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimens?
The practice of microdosing, or regularly consuming small amounts, represents a distinctive facet of psychedelic use. This method has found favor among athletes for its capacity to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Adopting this approach can lead to long-term benefits like enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for making effective decisions, particularly under stress.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Use Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Resources:
