As a result of severe injuries, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelic substances, like magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular amongst athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative treatments as athletes search for new solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to consuming these psychedelic substances beyond a clinical setting, suggesting that they probably acquired them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The use of magic mushrooms has had a profound impact on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates similar to or sometimes higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, offering potential therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with contributions from George Ramsay, explores the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared a compelling story. His struggles involved seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These issues became so severe that even simple family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo began investigating medical research and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a more casual environment.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Additionally, he frequent medical check-ups, including regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sunlight exposure to maintain his vigour.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in addressing mental health concerns.
According to research 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 has shown promise in addressing mental health struggles among athletes, especially those related to common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity conflicts during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tensions and disputes.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is vital, particularly for athletes. The brain governs numerous body functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory preservation, speech facilitation, and coordination of movements. Those experiencing diminished mental functionality may witness a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration is garnering interest. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He observed that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant-based concoction with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes convincing when looked at from a psychological therapy perspective, particularly for depression treatment, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the deficiency of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. Some studies suggest that psychedelics might promote
The potential benefits of psychedelic substances in accelerating neuronal growth following a brain injury have been relatively unexplored.
While the potential of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders and aiding in brain injury recovery is being investigated, it is crucial to stress the need for caution. Their potent effects could instigate psychological issues if used by individuals who are psychologically unstable.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain to Understand Their Effects
The impact of psychedelic substances varies depending on the specific variant consumed. Take magic mushrooms, for instance. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory changes. Such alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramping, altered heart rate, or blood pressure fluctuations.
The effects are not directly caused by psilocybin; instead, they are caused by psilocin, the product of psilocybin metabolism. Psilocin activates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and a long-time researcher of psychedelics, claims these cells are the brain’s primary computational units and serve as the main processing center. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neural connectivity, impacting cognition and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Traditional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation regulation, and can also inhibit inflammatory cytokine cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to the injured regions and facilitate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in reducing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Paving the Way for Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers, such as Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will come across a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and benefits, allowing users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | APPROPRIATE FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom flavor enthusiasts seeking intense and quick effects |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals searching for a method to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those wishing to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
In Summary
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in assisting athletes who are grappling with traumatic injuries and work-related stresses. Along with therapy, they offer a variety of approaches for managing symptoms. This combined strategy yields promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by numerous research studies.
Although the medical sector has yet to officially endorse psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that a comprehensive understanding is necessary for the safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies based on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews shed light on a variety of consumption behaviors: some prefer infrequent high doses, while others lean towards low doses for enhancing focus or boosting overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics have significant potential in augmenting mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock various types of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, it’s advisable to explore a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, exercise caution to avoid illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers often complement psychedelic use with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this dual approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby elevating the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be utilized as a treatment for pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not comprehensively studied yet. However, Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has suggested the possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia along with their team from the National Institutes of Health have probed into the potential utilization of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. The research indicates that psychedelics could possibly relieve different kinds of pain, including headaches, cancer-caused pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team proposes psychedelics could serve as “effective supplements” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Research studies on acute pain involving psychedelics are scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, which involves frequent intake of small quantities, is a distinctive facet of psychedelic use. It has won favor among athletes due to its capacity to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Incorporating this method can produce sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive adaptability, vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
