As a result of life-altering injuries, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional routes, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are gaining traction among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s perspective towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they probably procure them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The usage of magic mushrooms has notably impacted their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health issues at rates that are similar to or sometimes even surpass those of the general public.
- Psychedelics could potentially stimulate neuron growth, offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals healing from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes who are coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with contributions from George Ramsay, investigates athletes’ use of psychedelics for the management of severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, revealed a particularly poignant journey. His challenges included seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by Imperial College London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he unveiled his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he diligently ensures his health by undergoing regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, quality sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sunlight exposure in maintaining his vigor.
The Appeal of Psychedelics 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 enhance their overall wellness, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to research carried out by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are comparable to or even exceed those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to show promise in addressing mental health challenges among athletes, especially those arising from common barriers like resistance to therapy, identity issues during career transitions and injuries, and coping with interpersonal tension and conflict.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain governs a multitude of bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory preservation, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. People with impaired mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in augmenting this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He observed that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction derived from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his performance during football games.
Expert Perspectives
Field experts 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 case becomes persuasive when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, especially in managing depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris stressed the lack of extensive knowledge in the sphere of psychedelic usage. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics could contribute to
While there is significant evidence pointing towards the positive effects of psychedelics on neuron growth, there is limited research that directly investigates their potential benefits in the wake of brain damage.
As the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments are studied, it’s essential to highlight the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics may cause psychological disruptions if used by individuals who are psychologically fragile.
The Mechanism of Psychedelics’ Interaction with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies based on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for example. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to altered sensations. These alterations can be auditory or visual hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not triggered directly by psilocybin. Instead, it is metabolized into psilocin after consumption, which is the compound that induces these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and a long-time researcher of psychedelics, these cells serve as the brain’s primary computational units and the central processing hub. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury therapy, there are several theories suggesting potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics influence serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation regulation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action might enhance blood flow to injured areas, fostering tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in decreasing brain damage caused by arterial blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Journey to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable pathway for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe purchases by delivering items through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product comes with its own distinct characteristics and advantages, providing users with a range of options that cater to their specific needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who savor the flavor of mushrooms and enjoy potent, immediate effects |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask any undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during lengthy sessions |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This approach yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics aren’t formally acknowledged as a treatment option by the medical field, specialists caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Common Queries
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on personal needs and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there’s substantial potential in employing low doses of psychedelics to augment 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 typically provide various types of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or sellers who falsely market authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Research shows that this integrated approach can foster a deeper grasp of one’s psyche. Facilitating individuals in deciphering insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related trauma?
Can psychedelics help manage pain?
Pain management through the use of psychedelics isn’t fully researched yet. However, Anna Symonds, a previous rugby player from the United States, suggests the potential of cannabis in this field.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health have ventured into the possible application of psychedelics for treating chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics could potentially relieve various types of pain, including headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, studies focusing on acute pain and psychedelics are fairly limited.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves regular consumption of small doses, is a distinctive method of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes because it minimizes negative impacts while preserving therapeutic effects. Embracing this approach can yield lasting benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for making effective decisions, particularly under pressure.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reading:
