As more athletes experience life-altering injuries, there’s a growing interest in unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Alternative treatments, such as psychedelics like magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking both physical relief and mental rehabilitation. This emerging trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies as they search for innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, implying that they likely obtain them from a magic mushroom dispensary. This usage has significantly influenced their mental well-being and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- The prevalence of mental health issues among athletes is often equal to or higher than that of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, thus offering potential therapeutic benefits for those recovering from brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively impact mental health, assisting athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or high-stress situations.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt, along with George Ramsay’s contribution on the CNN website, explores how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
Former Canadian ice hockey player, Daniel Carillo, shared his personal experience. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions which resulted in symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These issues rendered even simple family outings as daunting tasks.
Carillo began investigating medical publications and came across a study on psilocybin by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to self-administer a significant dose in a more informal setting.
During his interview with CNN, he revealed his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin with occasional consumption of larger quantities. Additionally, he maintains his health by routinely undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, enough sleep, a balanced intake of sugar and alcohol, and sun exposure to maintain his vitality.
Athletes’ Interest in Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought help from psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to improve their overall well-being, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, a research 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 seems to offer a promising solution for athletes’ mental health problems, especially those stemming from common issues like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal conflicts and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics in mental health care is particularly important for athletes. The brain governs many bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processes, emotional management, memory retention, speech activation, and movement coordination. Those with compromised mental functioning may experience a decline in their performance and concentration.
In sports, concentration is critical, and there is growing interest in the potential role psychedelics could play in enhancing focus. NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke openly about his own experiences with psychedelics in a CNN report, noting that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from psychoactive Amazonian plants, positively impacted his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation is intriguing when viewed from a psychological therapy angle, especially in treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
Regarding brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out that there is a lack of extensive research on the use of psychedelics in brain injury treatment. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics might encourage
Despite a growing interest in the potential of psychedelics for promoting neuron growth, only a few studies have directly investigated their possible advantages following a brain injury.
As experts delve into the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, they emphasize the necessity for careful handling. Due to their potent impact, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disruptions when consumed by individuals in a mentally susceptible state.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain
The effect of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind ingested. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. Health Canada indicates that these mushrooms have hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin that can lead to sensory distortions. These could manifest as visual or auditory hallucinations, altered touch sensations, emotional fluctuations, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
The impacts aren’t directly caused by psilocybin; rather, it is converted into psilocin upon intake, the compound accountable for the effects. Psilocin triggers serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, these cells are the brain’s main computational units, serving as the central hub where all processing takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby affecting cognition and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to the injured areas and foster tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in decreasing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Facilitating Healing through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and trustworthy platform for individuals in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions, delivering items through reputable carriers like Canada Post.
When you visit an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product offers unique characteristics and benefits, enabling users to select an option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | People who relish the flavor of mushrooms and desire intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People who aim to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals who wish to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have shown potential in assisting athletes with mental health issues stemming from traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various approaches to managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This strategy demonstrates promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced by multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal recognition by the medical field, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes prefer high or low doses of psychedelics?
Psychedelic usage varies depending on individual needs and tastes. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics can have real potential in boosting mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, aiding in the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily provide an array of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to visit a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Be vigilant to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors claiming to sell authentic psychedelics falsely.
Is it advisable to incorporate talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical trials, the use of psychedelics is often combined with therapy sessions. Research shows that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding. Facilitating individuals in interpreting the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in addressing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
While the use of psychedelics in pain management is not yet fully understood, suggestions of benefits have been made by Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, particularly regarding the use of cannabis.
Research by F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health on the use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment indicates potential benefits. The team found that psychedelics might help to ease various types of pain, including cancer-related pain, headaches, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They proposed that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, the number of studies exploring the use of psychedelics for acute pain is relatively small.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their training regimes?
Microdosing, or consuming small, regular doses, has become a popular method of psychedelic use among athletes. This approach minimizes potential negative effects while retaining therapeutic benefits. Implementing this strategy can lead to sustained improvements, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is crucial for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.
Primary Source:
Athletes Turning To Psychedelics Following Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
