In the wake of career-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are rising in popularity. Athletes searching for relief and recovery are increasingly considering these alternative treatments. This shift signifies a change in the sports community’s outlook on alternative therapies, as athletes explore innovative approaches to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procure them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The experience of using magic mushrooms has had a substantial impact on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- The mental health challenges athletes face are often equal to or even surpass those of the general public.
- Psychedelics may foster neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits to those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, providing support to athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with contributions from George Ramsay, gives insights into athletes’ use of psychedelics as a means to manage serious sports injuries.
The article features a poignant account by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo’s struggles encompassed seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and persistent headaches. These issues escalated to such an extent that even routine family activities became daunting.
Driven by his plight, Carillo began researching medical studies and stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
In an interview with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin supplemented by occasional usage of larger doses. Also, he actively monitors his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, control over sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight in maintaining his energy levels.
Why Athletes are Attracted to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics to help navigate through life’s challenges. A large number of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall wellness, especially in relation to mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are comparable to, or even exceed, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to be a promising solution for addressing mental health difficulties among athletes, especially when dealing with common obstacles such as reluctance towards therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly vital for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as regulation of organs, cognitive processing, emotional regulation, memory preservation, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with diminished mental capacity may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing interest in the potential role psychedelics could play in enhancing this concentration. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his own experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his performance in football matches.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field argue 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 evidence becomes compelling when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly in the treatment of depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data in the field of psychedelic use. Some research suggests that psychedelics may aid in
Brain regeneration is a potential benefit of neuron growth, although few studies have directly investigated this potential in the context of brain injury recovery.
While the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating mental health issues and aiding brain injury recovery are being explored, experts stress the need for careful use. Due to their potent effects, these substances could potentially provoke psychological disturbances, particularly in those already in a psychologically fragile state.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain
The effects of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific substance consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, as identified by Health Canada, contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin that can induce sensory changes such as visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, and emotional shifts. Physical symptoms like muscle cramps or alterations in heart rate or blood pressure may also occur.
However, these effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; it is metabolized into psilocin upon consumption, which is actually responsible for these effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, these cells are the main computational units of the brain. They are the central processing core where all mental activity takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
On the matter of brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Traditional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and can also block cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and foster tissue regeneration post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown effectiveness in lessening brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route towards Healing through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable outlet for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. By using trusted delivery services like Canada Post, these dispensaries ensure safe and reliable purchases.
Navigating an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a vast assortment of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its distinct characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that aligns with their individual preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEALLY SUITED FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and prefer strong and fast-acting experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking a solution to mask the disagreeable tastes and to prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals eager to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen with microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics, including mushrooms, hold promise for supporting mental health among athletes dealing with occupational stress and traumatic injuries. They offer various symptom management tactics, particularly when combined with therapy. This comprehensive approach yields promising and enduring outcomes, as multiple studies suggest.
While psychedelics are yet to gain formal acceptance as a treatment option in the medical field, specialists caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for secure usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to personal needs and inclinations. As revealed by CNN interviews, usage patterns differ: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses for enhancing focus or promoting overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics have the potential to bolster mindfulness abilities. This could aid in fostering intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can magic mushrooms be bought from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores predominantly provide a variety of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a psychedelic or magic mushroom dispensary. Be wary of illegal dispensaries selling magic mushrooms or vendors falsely claiming to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should talk therapy be combined with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers typically pair therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Evidence suggests that this integrative approach can facilitate a more profound understanding of oneself. Guiding individuals to process the insights from significant mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing pain associated with injuries?
Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is a relatively uncharted territory. Nonetheless, Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has hinted at the possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential applications of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics could potentially ease different forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as effective aids in managing chronic pain and associated disorders such as PTSD and major depression.
However, there is a scarcity of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of minor doses, is a distinct aspect of psychedelic use. This method has attracted athletes due to its ability to mitigate adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Embracing this approach can result in sustainable gains, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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