In the wake of severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly common. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s viewpoint towards alternative therapies, as athletes look for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a medical setting, suggesting that they probably procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The consumption of these magic mushrooms has had a profound influence on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, and sometimes higher than, the general population.
- Psychedelics could promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from serious brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high levels of stress.
Athletes’ Stories as Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, featuring insights from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to deal with serious sports injuries.
An especially compelling narrative was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His struggles included seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so overwhelming that even simple family outings became a struggle.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
He spoke to CNN about his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger doses. He also
He remains vigilant about his health, frequently undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
Apart from utilizing psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled intake of sugar and alcohol, and sun exposure for maintaining his health and vigor.
Athletes and Their Attraction to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the aid of psychedelics in navigating life’s challenges. A multitude of professional athletes have dabbled with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, aiming to enhance their overall welfare, specifically in managing mental health concerns.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, a psychology academic fellow at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to or even exceeding that of the general populace. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in alleviating mental health struggles among athletes, especially those stemming from usual obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling personal conflicts and disputes.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is pivotal, especially for athletes. The brain regulates various bodily functions, including organ control, thought process, emotional management, memory retention, speech function, and movement coordination. Individuals experiencing a decline in mental functionality might witness a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is a key aspect in sports, and there is growing curiosity about how psychedelics might help enhance this concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He observed 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 Opinions
Researchers in the field affirm that psychedelics have proven effective 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 argument becomes more persuasive when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
Regarding brain injury treatment and psychedelic use, Carhart-Harris emphasized the dearth of extensive research. However, some preliminary studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Neuronal growth has been linked to psychedelics, but only a limited number of studies have delved into their potential advantages in the context of brain damage recovery.
While the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatment are being studied, professionals also highlight the necessity of careful use. Owing to their potent impact, psychedelics might induce psychological issues if used by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain
The effect of psychedelics varies depending on the particular type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms with hallucinogenic compounds, including psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce sensory changes. These alterations could involve visual or auditory hallucinations, altered touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin. Instead, once ingested, it is converted into psilocin, the compound that causes the effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors present 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 operate as the brain’s primary processing units. Psilocin’s stimulation of these receptors leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive functions and perception.
In the context of brain damage treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Traditional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation control, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual role could enhance blood flow to injured regions and foster tissue repair after injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven successful in minimizing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering products through reputable carriers like Canada Post.
An online magic mushroom dispensary offers a vast array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct features and advantages. This diversity enables users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor mushroom flavor and seek intense, fast-acting experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those desiring to mask any unpleasant taste and prevent nausea during lengthy trips |
| Capsules | People looking to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms are demonstrating potential in assisting athletes coping with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. Various symptom management strategies emerge, especially when combined with therapy. This method yields encouraging and long-lasting outcomes, as evidenced by many studies.
Despite psychedelics not yet being officially endorsed as a treatment by the medical profession, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual needs and tastes. CNN interviews have highlighted a variety of consumption patterns: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there is significant potential in utilizing low doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness abilities. This could help foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom stores mainly stock a variety of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, etc. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Always be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic usage?
In clinical research, therapy sessions are often coupled with psychedelic intake. Research shows that this integrated approach can foster a more profound comprehension of the experiences derived from high-dose mushroom use, thereby enhancing the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics have a role in managing injury-related stress?
Can psychedelics help manage pain?
Psychedelics’ role in pain management is yet to be fully understood. Nevertheless, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has suggested that cannabis may offer potential benefits in this domain.
Researchers like F. Z. Zia and his team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible applications of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their findings indicate that psychedelics might help relieve various pain types, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The study proposes that psychedelics might serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
The number of studies exploring the role of psychedelics in acute pain management is relatively small.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, a method involving the regular intake of small psychedelic doses, has become increasingly popular among athletes. This practice minimizes potential adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Its adoption can lead to sustainable results such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
