As they face life-altering injuries, an increasing number of athletes are venturing into unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
One such alternative that is gaining traction among athletes in their quest for relief and rehabilitation is the use of psychedelics, like magic mushrooms. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s viewpoint towards alternative therapies as athletes explore new remedies for their physical and psychological struggles.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procure them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has had a notable impact on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes grapple with mental health issues at rates that are similar to, and sometimes exceed, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to improve mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Detailed in a CNN Report
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, contributed to by George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former ice hockey player from Canada, shared a particularly compelling story. His battles included seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so burdensome that even simple family activities turned into difficult tasks.
Carillo started exploring medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than participating in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more recreational context.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with infrequent use of larger amounts. Additionally, he keeps a close eye on his health by routinely undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
Apart from using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, controlling sugar and alcohol consumption, and adequate sunlight exposure for maintaining his energy and strength.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who seeks help from psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall well-being, specifically in terms of mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and associate, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to or exceeding those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold potential in addressing these mental health issues among athletes, specifically those related to common issues such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
Utilizing psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly essential for athletes. The brain controls a multitude of bodily functions such as regulating organs, processing thoughts, managing emotions, retaining memories, enabling speech, and coordinating movements. Those with compromised mental functions may experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is rising curiosity about the potential role psychedelics might play in improving this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction derived from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field affirm that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, mentioned in an interview with CNN Sport that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, especially for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding brain treatment, Carhart-Harris underscored the scarcity of thorough research in the field of psychedelic use and brain injury treatment. Some studies suggest that psychedelics could promote
The potential advantages of psychedelic substances for brain injury recovery have been the subject of limited research. However, recent studies suggest they may play a role in promoting neuron growth.
While the potential benefits of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury recovery are being explored, it’s critical to proceed with caution. Due to their potent effects, these substances might provoke psychological disturbances in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The specific effects of psychedelics can vary depending on the type consumed. For instance, taking magic mushrooms, known scientifically to contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, may lead to alterations in the senses. These alterations may manifest as visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle tension and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Contrary to popular belief, these effects are not directly induced by psilocybin. Instead, the body metabolizes it into psilocin, which is the actual compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin triggers the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a Purdue University School of Pharmacy professor who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells serve as the brain’s primary computational units. They act as the main processing center. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to changes in brain metabolism and neuronal connectivity, which in turn affect cognitive function and perception.
Several theories suggest how psychedelics might be beneficial for brain injury treatment. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in controlling inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could boost blood flow to injured regions and foster tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown promising results in minimizing brain damage resulting from arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable platform for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. They guarantee safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a variety of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and benefits, allowing users 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 prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People seeking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals wanting to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics, including mushrooms, have shown potential to support the mental health of athletes facing traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This method yields encouraging and long-lasting outcomes, as demonstrated in numerous research studies.
Although psychedelics have not been officially approved as a treatment by the medical profession, experts emphasize that a comprehensive understanding is essential for safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small quantities?
The ingestion of psychedelics varies depending on the individual’s needs and choices. According to CNN interviews, some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for smaller doses to enhance focus or promote overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris posits that there is significant potential in using small doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness abilities, facilitating intense concentration and aiding in achieving a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom stores mainly provide a variety of mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, to name a few. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Beware of illegal magic mushroom outlets or sellers misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic usage?
In clinical studies, researchers often combine therapy sessions with the intake of psychedelics. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach can promote a deeper exploration of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related
Psychedelics’ potential in pain management is an area that is not yet widely studied. However, a hint at its possible benefits has been given by Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, who has mentioned the potential usefulness of cannabis for this purpose.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and his team from the National Institutes of Health has delved into the potential application of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. Their findings suggest that various types of pain, including headaches, cancer-associated pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain, could possibly be alleviated by psychedelics. They propose that these substances could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the management of chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
Research on the effects of psychedelics on acute pain, however, is scant.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
The practice of microdosing, or consistently taking small amounts, is a distinct facet of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its ability to limit adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. This practice could result in enduring benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is paramount for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
