An increasing number of athletes are exploring unconventional methods of healing and recovery following life-altering injuries.
Among these alternative approaches, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular. Athletes are seeking new solutions to their physical and psychological challenges, reflecting a shift in the sports community’s views on alternative therapies.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their experiences with magic mushrooms have greatly impacted their mental health and how they navigate other challenges.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at similar or even higher rates than the general public.
- Psychedelics could promote 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, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or intense stress.
Athlete Experiences as Covered 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 compelling story. He had seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These issues became so severe that even the simplest family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and found a study on psilocybin conducted by London’s Imperial College. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to use a substantial dose in a recreational setting.
In an interview with CNN, he discussed his regimen of routinely microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He maintains his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in consuming sugar and alcohol, and getting enough sunlight to keep his vitality up.
Psychedelics: A Magnet for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. A host of professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to improve their overall wellness, especially in terms of mental health.
A study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, found that elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health problems among athletes, especially those resulting from common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity issues during career transitions and injuries, and managing personal conflicts and disagreements.
Using psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls many bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotion management, memory retention, speech production, and movement coordination. Those with diminished mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and interest is growing in how psychedelics might enhance this concentration. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics in a CNN report, stating that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca – a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties – had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field assert 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 situation is particularly compelling when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, especially for treating depression, with some notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris emphasized the limited understanding of psychedelic use. Some research suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential of psychedelics for promoting neuron growth, only a limited number of studies have delved into their potential advantages following a brain injury.
As the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatments and recovery from brain injuries is being explored, specialists stress the need for careful handling. Considering their potent impacts, psychedelics might initiate psychological issues if misused by those who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interactions Between Psychedelics and the Brain that Lead to Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada defines them as mushrooms with hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin that can yield sensory alterations. These modifications can lead to visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional changes, and even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Rather than psilocybin directly eliciting these effects, it gets metabolized into psilocin after consumption, which is the primary agent causing these effects. Psilocin engages with serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the 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 function as the brain’s primary computational units and serve as the central hub for all processing activities. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thus impacting cognitive function and perception.
With respect to treating brain injuries, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics influence serotonin receptors that are known to control inflammation and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This double action could enhance blood circulation to damaged regions and stimulate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT proved effective in decreasing brain damage resulting from arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for individuals looking for genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering goods through reputable carriers such as Canada Post.
When you explore an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover an extensive assortment of shrooms and psychedelic products. Every product has its unique features and advantages, allowing users to select a choice that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers seeking strong and quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals who desire to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those aiming to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics, like mushrooms, hold potential in supporting the mental well-being of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various tactics for managing symptoms, particularly when coupled with therapy. This treatment model has shown encouraging and enduring effects in several studies.
Despite the absence of formal recognition from the medical sector, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies per individual’s needs and preferences. CNN interviews indicate a spectrum of usage habits: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have considerable potential in augmenting mindfulness abilities. This could foster deep focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily stock different mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or a psychedelic dispensary. Be vigilant to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely claiming to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, therapists conduct therapy sessions concurrently with psychedelic intake. Research shows that this combined approach can facilitate a more profound understanding. Guiding individuals through the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences amplifies the psychedelic experience.
Is there a role for psychedelics in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help manage pain?
The exploration of psychedelics for pain management is still in its infancy. Anna Symonds, a former rugby player from the US, however, has suggested that cannabis may offer potential benefits in this area.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible use of psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics could potentially relieve a range of pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain is, nonetheless, sparse.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves regular intake of small doses, is a unique method of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce negative impacts while preserving therapeutic advantages. The adoption of this practice can lead to sustainable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, pivotal for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Primary Reference:
Report From CNN: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
