More and more athletes, grappling with significant injuries, are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Psychedelic substances, such as magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular among this group as they search for relief and rehabilitation. This highlights a shift in the sports world’s mindset towards alternative therapies, as athletes look for novel ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to consuming these substances outside a clinical setting, suggesting they most likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their experiences with magic mushrooms have had a considerable impact on their mental health and other obstacles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health problems at rates similar to or even surpassing those of the general public.
- Psychedelics may stimulate neuron growth, possibly offering therapeutic benefits for people recovering from serious brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to enhance mental health, assisting athletes coping with the fallout of an injury or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Stories as Featured in a CNN Report
Contributed by George Ramsay, Amy Woodyatt’s article on the CNN website delves into the trend of athletes using psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
One particularly compelling story is that of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo has battled with seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so severe that even straightforward family outings turned into difficult endeavors.
Carillo came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London while researching medical literature. Instead of joining a clinical trial, he opted to take a substantial dose in a more informal environment.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he the maintenance of his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin usage, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sun exposure for maintaining his vitality.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. A number of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in regards to mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and associate, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates similar to, or surpassing, the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health struggles among athletes, especially those stemming from common challenges like therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tension and conflict.
The employment of psychedelics for mental health therapy is vital, particularly for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those with diminished mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and concentration.
Focus is essential in sports, leading to a growing interest in how psychedelics may enhance this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned 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 the field argue that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from a psychological therapy angle, particularly for depression treatment, with some exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the paucity of extensive studies in the field of psychedelic use. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
While the potential benefits of psychedelics for neuron growth and brain injury recovery are under investigation, it’s important to note that these substances should be used with caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially lead to psychological issues if consumed by individuals in a psychologically vulnerable state.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the type consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, officially recognized by Health Canada as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, can induce alterations in sensory perception. These modifications may include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms such as muscle cramping and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms are not directly caused by the psilocybin they contain. Instead, it’s the compound psilocin, produced when psilocybin is metabolized, that’s responsible for these effects. Psilocin engages serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University’s School of Pharmacy who has conducted research on psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells serve as the primary computational units in the brain. They function as a central processing hub, and the activation of these receptors by psilocin can alter brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
In terms of treating brain injuries, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to help control inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could potentially enhance blood flow to injured areas and stimulate tissue repair after injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown promise in reducing brain damage resulting from artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and trustworthy platform for those interested in obtaining genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and advantages, offering users the opportunity to select an option that aligns best with their individual needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | PREFERRED BY |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers seeking swift, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals desiring to mask unpalatable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | People keen on integrating shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics, including mushrooms, exhibit potential in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and work-related stresses. They offer diverse symptom management strategies, particularly when combined with therapy. This approach yields promising and enduring outcomes, as reflected in multiple studies.
Although psychedelics are yet to receive formal endorsement as a treatment option from the medical community, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive knowledge for safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic intake varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose diverse consumption patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes significant potential in utilizing low dosages of psychedelics to augment mindfulness abilities. This can foster profound concentration, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily stock a variety of mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider approaching a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical experiments, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic use. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach can foster a deeper understanding. Guiding individuals in interpreting insights from high-dose mushroom experiences amplifies the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help in managing pain?
While the potential of psychedelics in pain management is a subject that remains largely unexplored, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has hinted at the possible benefits of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and colleagues from the National Institutes of Health indicate that psychedelics could be useful in mitigating chronic pain. The study suggests that their usage could help in managing various types of pain including headaches, cancer-associated pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team postulates that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in handling chronic pain and corresponding conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, studies focused on acute pain and the use of psychedelics are somewhat scanty.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small doses, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use that has attracted athletes. This is due to its ability to reduce negative effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Implementing this regimen can lead to enduring results, including enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
