As they grapple with severe injuries, more and more athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recuperation.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelic substances, such as magic mushrooms, are gaining traction with athletes seeking respite and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sporting community’s outlook towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using these substances outside of a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procure them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom use has been significant on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes struggle with mental health issues at rates that are either comparable to or sometimes exceed that of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, thereby offering therapeutic opportunities for individuals recuperating from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s report on CNN’s website, with input from George Ramsay, explores the use of psychedelics by athletes to manage serious sports-related injuries.
An especially poignant story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He grappled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to symptoms akin to dementia, along with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems were so debilitating that even simple family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than participating in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
During a conversation with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with sporadic consumption of larger quantities. Moreover, he
He prioritizes his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his vigor.
Why Athletes are Attracted to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates equal to or higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in dealing with mental health issues among athletes, especially those stemming from common issues like reluctance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal stress and conflicts.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain is responsible for numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Individuals experiencing mental health decline may see a negative impact on their performance and focus.
Focus is essential in sports, and the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this focus is attracting increasing interest. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He claimed that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a substance extracted from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive effect on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated their efficacy 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 compelling when viewed from a psychological therapy angle, especially for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain disorders, Carhart-Harris pointed out the insufficient data concerning the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may encourage
Despite the potential of psychedelics to stimulate neuron growth, their benefits in the context of brain injury recovery remain largely unexplored.
As the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments are examined, it’s crucial to emphasize the need for careful use. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics might provoke psychological issues when consumed by individuals who are psychologically susceptible.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific kind consumed. Consider magic mushrooms as an instance. Health Canada describes these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory changes, including visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional variations, and even physical symptoms like muscle cramps or alterations in heart rate and blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is transformed into psilocin upon ingestion, the substance that elicits these effects. Psilocin instigates the 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, asserts that these cells serve as the brain’s main computational units, operating as the central hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in modifications in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
With regard to brain injury therapy, several theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to control inflammation and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function may enhance blood flow to injured regions and facilitate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in decreasing brain damage resulting from artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing Through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those interested in genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by shipping products through trusted delivery services like Canada Post.
At an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own unique qualities and advantages, offering users a variety of options that align with their individual needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking ways to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals keen on adding shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms may play a role in helping athletes manage the mental health repercussions of traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer various strategies for symptom control, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This method has shown encouraging and sustained benefits in numerous scientific studies.
Despite the lack of formal acceptance of psychedelics as a treatment option by the medical fraternity, experts caution that comprehensive knowledge is necessary for the safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in large or small quantities?
The amount of psychedelics consumed varies based on individual requirements and choices. As per CNN interviews, consumption patterns vary: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer small doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have the potential to amplify mindfulness abilities, facilitating intense focus and promoting easy attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock different types of mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to evade illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Is it advisable to pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often combined with therapy sessions. Research indicates that this combined approach can deepen understanding. Assisting individuals in navigating the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences enhances the overall psychedelic experience.
Is there a place for psychedelics in managing injury-related Can psychedelics relieve pain?
Psychedelics’ role in pain management is still under exploration. That said, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has hinted at the possible advantages of cannabis for pain relief.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential application of psychedelics in managing chronic pain. Their findings suggest that these substances may alleviate a range of pain types, including headaches, cancer-associated pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team proposes that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” to chronic pain management and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Psychedelics’ efficacy in acute pain treatment, however, remains largely unexplored.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routine?
Microdosing, involving the consistent intake of small psychedelic doses, has caught the attention of athletes. This practice minimizes the negative impacts while preserving the therapeutic effects. Implementing this approach can lead to sustainable results like enhanced cognitive flexibility, a critical factor for effective decision making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Injured Athletes Finding Solace in Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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