An increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery in the wake of life-altering injuries.
Among these unconventional treatments, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are gaining traction. This trend is indicative of a shift in the sports community’s mindset towards alternative therapies. Athletes are looking for new solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting their source is likely a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom consumption have significantly impacted their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Points:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to or even higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics may help in neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for people recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to improve mental health, providing support for athletes dealing with the aftermath of injuries or high levels of stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Report
Amy Woodyatt’s report on the CNN website, contributed to by George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to manage serious sports injuries.
The account of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, stands out. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. His struggles were so severe that even basic family activities became daunting.
Carillo explored medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo chose to consume a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In his interaction with CNN, he disclosed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. He also regularly undergoes brain scans and blood tests to maintain an optimal state of health.
In addition to psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient rest, limiting sugar and alcohol consumption, and getting adequate sunlight exposure to maintain his vitality.
Athletes’ Attraction to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to enhance their overall well-being, especially concerning mental health issues.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, a research scholar in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates comparable to, or even exceeding those of the general populace. Psychedelic therapy shows potential for tackling mental health issues among athletes, especially those stemming from common barriers like therapy resistance, identity struggles during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal stress and conflict.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly crucial for athletes. The brain governs many bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech production, and movement coordination. A decline in mental functionality can lead to reduced performance and concentration.
Concentration is crucial in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in boosting this focus. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with mind-altering properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Researchers in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in addressing specific 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 lens of psychological therapy, particularly in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding brain injury treatment with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris underscored the lack of extensive research in the field. Some evidence suggests psychedelics could potentially facilitate
While some research has suggested that psychedelics can promote neuron growth, only a limited number of studies have directly investigated their potential advantages following a brain injury.
In the study of the potential uses of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health and brain injuries, professionals highlight the necessity for careful handling. Due to their strong effects, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological issues if used by individuals who are mentally vulnerable.
Comprehending the Interaction of Psychedelics and the Brain to Produce Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms that comprise hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause alterations in perception. Such modifications might include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional fluctuations, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects aren’t directly brought about by psilocybin; rather, upon ingestion, it is transformed into psilocin, the compound responsible for the 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 are the brain’s primary computational units, serving as the central hub for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive abilities and perception.
In regards to brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics might be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function could enhance blood circulation to injured areas and foster tissue recovery post injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a safe and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee secure purchases by delivering items through trusted couriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad variety of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, fast-paced experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking to mask any unpalatable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals wanting to include shrooms in their wellness regimen through microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms exhibit potential in assisting athletes cope with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They provide a range of strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used alongside therapy. This approach has shown to generate promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics have not yet received formal endorsement as a treatment approach from the medical field, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms requires a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Common Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption habits: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or improve overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there is a genuine potential in using minimal doses of psychedelics to bolster mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide a variety of mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and so on. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be vigilant to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or suppliers falsely marketing authentic psychedelics.
Should I integrate talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with the intake of psychedelics. Research suggests that this combined approach can foster a deeper comprehension of individual experiences. Facilitating individuals in navigating the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can amplify the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in handling injury-related
The potential of psychedelics for pain management is an area that remains under-researched. However, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has indicated the possible benefits of cannabis for pain relief.
F. Z. Zia and other researchers from the National Institutes of Health have explored the idea of using psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their studies suggest that psychedelics may help alleviate various forms of pain including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Research into the use of psychedelics for acute pain is currently limited.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their training regimes?
Microdosing, or the consistent ingestion of small quantities, is a distinctive characteristic of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its capability to reduce negative impacts while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this method can result in sustainable 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 Finding Relief in Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Readings:
