In the aftermath of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are increasingly being embraced by athletes seeking physical and mental relief and rehabilitation. This rise in popularity signifies a shift in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The use of these psychedelics has significantly influenced their mental wellbeing and how they tackle other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates that are similar to or sometimes surpass those of the general population.
- The potential of psychedelics to promote neuron growth may offer therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, providing support for athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Report
According to an article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, contributed to by George Ramsay, athletes are using psychedelics to help manage severe sports-related injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared an especially poignant story. He experienced seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms akin to dementia, along with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so debilitating that even simple family activities turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo turned to medical research and came across a study on psilocybin by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, he opted to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In an interview with CNN, he divulged his regimen of regularly microdosing psilocybin, supplemented by occasional use of larger quantities. Moreover, he mindfulness and thereby, boost cognitive functions. However, more research is needed to authenticate these claims.
Carillo is a staunch advocate for a holistic approach to health. He emphasizes the importance of regular brain scans and blood tests to monitor his physical condition.
In addition to using psilocybin, Carillo advocates for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderate consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his vitality.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall well-being, especially in relation to mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, a psychology fellow at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those stemming from common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity crisis during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics for mental health is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Individuals with impaired mental functionality may experience a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing interest in the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration. In a CNN report, 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 known for their psychoactive properties, positively affected his performance in football matches.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven to be effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that this claim becomes particularly persuasive when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, particularly with regards to treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive knowledge on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote mindfulness and potentially enhance cognitive functions. However, these claims require further scientific validation.
Despite promising signs that psychedelics might stimulate neuronal growth, very few studies have explicitly investigated their potential advantages following a brain injury.
In considering the possibilities of using psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatments, specialists also stress the necessity of caution. Owing to their potent impacts, psychedelics could potentially initiate psychological disruptions when taken by people in a psychologically fragile condition.
Deciphering How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. Take magic mushrooms as an illustration. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms carry hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which might lead to sensory modifications. These adjustments might encompass visual or auditory hallucinations, touch sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle twitches and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, upon ingestion, it’s metabolized into psilocin, the compound accountable 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, argues that these cells are the main computational units of the brain, serving as the nexus where all processing takes place. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognition and perception.
With regards to treating brain injury, numerous hypotheses suggest how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual operation could enhance blood circulation to damaged regions and encourage tissue repair after an injury. In animal tests, DMT has shown effectiveness in reducing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries operate as a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee secure transactions by delivering items via established carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad range of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own distinctive characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | SUITABLE FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Perfect for individuals who prefer the flavor of mushrooms and desire quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Ideal for those seeking to mask any unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Suitable for those wishing to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms possess the potential to support athletes suffering from traumatic injuries and occupational stress. They offer multiple strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This approach has demonstrated promising and enduring results in various studies.
Although the medical community has yet to formally endorse psychedelics as a treatment approach, experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding for their safe consumption.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies based on personal needs and preferences. CNN interviews highlight a spectrum of use patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or overall wellness.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low-dose psychedelic use holds genuine potential to amplify mindfulness skills, possibly aiding in achieving a state of deep focus or flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider a psychedelic or magic mushroom dispensary. Be vigilant to avoid illegal or counterfeit vendors.
Is it beneficial to combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often paired with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this combined approach can deepen understanding and enhance the psychedelic experience by helping individuals interpret insights from high-dose mushroom experiences.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help with pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management remains largely unexplored. That said, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has suggested the possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possibility of using psychedelics to manage chronic pain. Research indicates that psychedelics could potentially provide relief from various types of pain, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and related conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
There is a scarcity of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, a practice involving the regular intake of small doses, presents a distinct facet of psychedelic use. It has attracted athletes because it allows them to reap therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. This approach could lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is key for effective decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
