Following significant injuries, many athletes are turning to unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are becoming an increasingly popular alternative among athletes looking for relief and rehabilitation. This trend indicates a shift in how the sports community views alternative therapies, as athletes seek fresh solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has had a substantial impact on their mental health and other issues they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates equal to, or even exceeding, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could aid in neuron growth, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with injury aftermath or high levels of 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.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly poignant story. He contended with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even basic family outings presented a challenge.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. He decided to use a substantial dose in a recreational setting rather than participating in a clinical trial.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional usage of higher doses. Moreover, he
To stay on top of his health, he regularly performs brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to utilizing psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, adequate rest, controlled sugar and alcohol consumption, and sunlight exposure in maintaining his vigor and vitality.
Why Athletes Are Drawn 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 to enhance their overall well-being, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing athletes’ mental health challenges, especially those resulting from common issues like resistance to therapy, identity struggles during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal conflict and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls many bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech production, and movement coordination. Reduced mental functionality can lead to a decline in performance and concentration.
Concentration is essential in sports, and there is a growing interest in how psychedelics can potentially enhance this focus. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Researchers in the field argue that psychedelics have been effective 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 persuasive when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, especially in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris noted the lack of extensive knowledge on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote neuronal development, yet scant research has directly probed their potential advantages in the wake of a brain injury.
While investigating the possible uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, specialists also stress the need for prudence. Given their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disruptions if used by individuals in a mentally vulnerable state.
Comprehending How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Yield Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary based on the specific type consumed. Let’s use magic mushrooms as an illustration. Health Canada states that these are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory modifications. These alterations could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile experiences, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is converted into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound accountable for the effects. Psilocin triggers serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, asserts that these cells act as the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the central hub where all processing takes place. Psilocin’s activation of these receptors leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to manage inflammation, and can also restrain cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured regions and stimulate tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering items through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
When perusing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own distinctive qualities and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| ITEM | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Individuals who appreciate the unique flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, fast-acting experiences |
| Edible/ Drinkable Products | People wanting to mask the taste and prevent nausea for extended trips |
| Capsules | Persons interested in incorporating mushrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelic substances like mushrooms may play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various symptom management strategies, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This method has shown to produce encouraging and sustained results in multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal acknowledgment of psychedelics as a treatment method by the medical community, experts emphasize the need for a thorough understanding for safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual needs and preferences. According to CNN interviews, some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or overall health.
Carhart-Harris believes that low doses of psychedelics have potential in promoting mindfulness skills. This could foster intense focus, aiding in achieving a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically provide a variety of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and others. For magic mushrooms, you may want to check a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, therapy sessions are often coupled with psychedelic intake. Research suggests that this integrated approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics have a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
While the potential of psychedelics in pain management is not fully understood yet, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has suggested that cannabis may offer benefits in this field.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have examined the potential role of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics might help to relieve various kinds of pain, including headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as effective supporting treatments in managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Studies exploring the impact of psychedelics on acute pain, however, are scant.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
One intriguing facet of psychedelic use is microdosing, that is, taking small amounts regularly. This practice has become popular among athletes because it helps to mitigate negative effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Adopting this method can lead to lasting benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes Turning to Psychedelics in Light of Life-Altering Injuries
Contributors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
