Following severe injuries, a rising number of athletes are pursuing unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a change in the sporting community’s attitudes towards alternative therapies as athletes look for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
A majority of athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The outcomes of their magic mushroom use have notably impacted their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health problems at rates that are similar to or sometimes even higher than 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, aiding athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Report
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, investigates athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly poignant story. His struggles included seven diagnosed concussions that led to symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even basic family outings became difficult undertakings.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional consumption of larger quantities. Additionally, he maintains his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
Along with the use of psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, a balanced intake of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy and vitality.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought help from psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, particularly in relation to mental health.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at the same or even higher rates than the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in addressing these mental health issues, especially those that stem from common challenges like therapy resistance, identity conflicts during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tensions and disputes.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is especially vital for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those with impaired mental functionality can experience a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and interest is growing in the potential role psychedelics can play in enhancing concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He noted that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive effect on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes compelling when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, especially for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the current lack of extensive knowledge about the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics might promote
Although psychedelics have been shown to stimulate neuron growth, there have been limited investigations into their potential benefits following a brain injury.
While considering possible uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, experts emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent impact, these substances could potentially initiate psychological issues if used by those in a psychologically fragile state.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The effects of psychedelics can vary depending on the particular type consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms for instance. Health Canada identifies these as mushrooms carrying hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. Such modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocybin doesn’t directly cause these effects; rather, when consumed, it gets metabolized into psilocin, the compound responsible for triggering these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, suggests that these cells serve as the main computing units of the brain, functioning as the central hub for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which impacts cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury recovery, several theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in managing inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured regions and encourage tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proved effective in reducing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and trustworthy platform for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
Upon exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses distinct characteristics and benefits, offering users the flexibility to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, immediate experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People seeking to mask unfavorable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those aiming to incorporate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have shown potential in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer different strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This method has demonstrated promising and enduring outcomes in various studies.
Despite the lack of formal recognition from the medical community regarding the use of psychedelics for treatment, experts advise that the consumption of magic mushrooms requires a comprehensive understanding to ensure safe use.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on personal needs and preferences. Interviews conducted by CNN reveal diverse consumption habits: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that the use of small doses of psychedelics has significant potential to improve mindfulness skills. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily provide a variety of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, to name a few. For magic mushrooms, consider visiting a specialized magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, do exercise caution to avoid illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical experiments, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic use. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach may facilitate a more profound comprehension of the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
While the potential of psychedelics in pain management is not extensively studied, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested that cannabis could have benefits in this context.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health has explored the possible therapeutic uses of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. The findings indicate that psychedelics may help mitigate various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-induced pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. Researchers propose that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated disorders like PTSD and major depression.
Research on the effects of psychedelics on acute pain remains limited though.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the habitual intake of low doses, is a distinct aspect of psychedelic use that has gained traction among athletes. This approach minimizes adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Consistent implementation of this practice can result in enduring benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes Turning To Psychedelics Following Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
