As they grapple with significant injuries, a growing number of athletes are increasingly turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these non-traditional remedies, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are gaining traction among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This progression signifies a change in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative healing methods, as athletes search for novel approaches to their physical and emotional challenges.
Many athletes admit to ingesting magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, implying that they likely acquired them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has had a profound influence on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates equivalent to or occasionally exceeding those observed in the wider population.
- Psychedelics may facilitate the growth of neurons, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their ability to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s feature on the CNN website, with input from George Ramsay, delves into athletes resorting to psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
A particularly poignant story is shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo grappled with seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and persistent headaches. These problems were so distressing that even mundane family trips became daunting responsibilities.
Carillo began investigating medical research and came across a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than partaking in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a more relaxed environment.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin, interspersed with occasional larger doses. Furthermore, he regularly monitors his health with routine brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to utilizing psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular sunlight exposure in maintaining his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo is not the only athlete to resort to psychedelics as a means to navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in tackling mental health problems among athletes, especially those stemming from common issues such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tension and conflict.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly significant for athletes. The brain governs many bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with impaired mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Attention is critical in sports, and there’s a growing curiosity about the potential part psychedelics might play in enhancing this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He noted that consuming a brew that included ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Perspectives from Specialists
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven effective in managing 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 from the angle of psychological therapy, especially in the treatment of depression, with some specific exceptions.
Regarding the healing of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the insufficient data on the use of psychedelics for this purpose. However, some research suggests that psychedelics may encourage
While the potential benefits of psychedelics in promoting neuron growth post brain injury are not widely studied, their therapeutic applications in mental health are gaining attention. Experts, however, emphasize on careful usage of these substances due to their potent effects, which could potentially induce psychological disturbances in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Comprehending the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific substance consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce alterations in sensory perceptions. These may include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in emotional state, altered tactile sensations, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Interestingly, the effects are not directly induced by psilocybin. Rather, it is metabolized into psilocin post consumption, which is the actual compound causing these effects. Psilocin stimulates 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, explains that these cells function as the primary processing units of the brain. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby impacting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics operate on serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could potentially enhance blood flow to injured regions and facilitate tissue recovery post injury. Animal studies have shown that DMT can effectively reduce brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Potential Healing via Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a safe and reliable avenue for individuals seeking authentic magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure secure transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
When navigating through an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a variety of shrooms and psychedelic products, each possessing its own unique characteristics and benefits. This diversity facilitates users in selecting an option that aligns best with their personal preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People wanting to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals keen on integrating shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms and other psychedelics prove to be promising in assisting athletes’ mental health, specifically those dealing with occupational stress and traumatic injuries. They offer several strategies for symptom control, particularly when combined with therapy. This combination yields positive and enduring outcomes, as various studies indicate.
Despite the absence of formal endorsement from the medical fraternity, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe utilization.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on each individual’s requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a diversity of consumption practices: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall wellbeing.
According to Carhart-Harris, low doses of psychedelics have substantial potential to enhance mindfulness abilities, fostering intense focus and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily stock a variety of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and so on. For magic mushrooms, you might want to look at a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to offer authentic psychedelics.
Is it recommended to pair talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this integrated approach can lead to a deeper comprehension of the self. It also helps individuals to better navigate the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thus enhancing the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related What is the potential role of psychedelics in pain management?
Although the exploration of psychedelics in pain management is not yet comprehensive, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has hinted at the possible advantages of cannabis in this area.
F. Z. Zia and her team at the National Institutes of Health have embarked on an investigation into the use of psychedelics for the treatment of chronic pain. The research points to the possibility that psychedelics could alleviate different kinds of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team proposes that psychedelics might serve as “effective complementary treatments” in the management of chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
The amount of research on the application of psychedelics in acute pain is relatively scarce.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of small quantities, is a distinctive feature of psychedelic usage. It has become popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce negative effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Implementing this practice could lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under pressure.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reading:
