As a result of life-altering injuries, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is on the rise. This trend demonstrates a shift in the sports community’s mindset regarding alternative treatments as athletes seek innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
A large number of athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely purchase them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom use has had a significant effect on their mental health and various other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates similar to or even exceeding those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could assist in neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or intense stress.
Athletes’ Testimonies as Featured in a CNN Report
In a report on the CNN website, Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a retired Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly poignant account. He grappled with seven diagnosed concussions, resulting in symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These challenges became so severe that even ordinary family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study carried out by Imperial College London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to use a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
During a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin alongside occasional usage of larger doses. Additionally, he maintains his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet with limited sugar and alcohol intake, and regular exposure to sunlight to preserve his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo is only one of many athletes who have turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. A significant number of professional athletes have experimented with substances such as ayahuasca and LSD to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in dealing with mental health issues.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at 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 seems to hold promise in addressing athletes’ mental health struggles, especially those resulting from typical challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and management of interpersonal conflicts and tensions.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is essential, especially for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. A decline in mental function can adversely affect an individual’s performance and concentration.
Concentration is key in sports, and there is growing interest in how psychedelics could potentially enhance this focus. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers candidly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a plant mixture from the Amazon with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his performance on the football field.
Learnings from the Experts
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy 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 through the lens of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few remarkable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the absence of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
There is a scarcity of direct research exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics in promoting neuron growth following brain injury.
As experts look into potential uses of psychedelics in mental health treatments and brain injury recovery, they emphasize the need for careful handling. Due to their potent effects, these substances could potentially provoke mental disturbances, especially when used by individuals who are psychologically fragile.
Deciphering the Interplay between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory modifications. These alterations could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms such as muscle spasms, and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly produced by psilocybin; rather, it is transformed into psilocin upon ingestion – the compound that actually induces these effects. Psilocin engages the 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 are the main computational units of the brain, serving as the core center for all processing. Activation of these receptors by psilocin triggers alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
With respect to treating brain injuries, a number of theories propose potential advantages of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to aid in inflammation control, and can also hinder cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to the injured regions and foster tissue recovery post injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown efficacy in reducing brain damage resulting from arterial blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable platform for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering products through reliable couriers like Canada Post.
Upon exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinctive features and advantages, offering users the ability to select an option that aligns best with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom enthusiasts who seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who prefer to mask the taste and prevent nausea during long-lasting trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to include shrooms in their health regimen via microdosing |
Wrapping Up
Psychedelics like mushrooms have been found to potentially assist athletes in managing mental health issues stemming from traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various coping mechanisms, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. This combination has shown potential for promising and enduring outcomes in several studies.
While psychedelics are yet to gain formal acceptance as a treatment option in the medical community, experts highlight the need for comprehensive knowledge for their safe consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes take psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic intake varies according to each individual’s needs and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption practices: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris suggests that low doses of psychedelics could potentially improve mindfulness skills, leading to heightened concentration and making it easier to reach a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores typically sell a variety of mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, to name a few. For magic mushrooms, you might want to try a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, scientists often couple therapy sessions with psychedelic use. Research shows that this integrated approach can foster a deeper understanding and make it easier to navigate the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related pain?
The potential for using psychedelics in pain management is not yet fully understood. That being said, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has suggested there may be some benefits, particularly in relation to cannabis.
F. Z. Zia and fellow researchers from the National Institutes of Health are delving into the possibility of using psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics might help alleviate various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The researchers propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the management of chronic pain, as well as associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, the studies dealing with acute pain and the use of psychedelics are few and far between.
What is the potential for athletes to incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly taking small amounts of psychedelics, is a unique method of use that has gained traction among athletes. It has the potential to decrease adverse effects while still providing therapeutic benefits. Adopting this practice may lead to sustained benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
