In the aftermath of life-altering injuries, more and more athletes are turning to unconventional avenues for healing and recovery.
Among these non-traditional methods, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is on the rise. Athletes are seeking these alternatives as they search for fresh solutions to their physical and mental challenges, marking a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies.
Most athletes admit to using these substances outside of a clinical context, suggesting they are likely sourcing them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of magic mushrooms on their mental health and other challenges has been significant.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to, and sometimes higher than, the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth and offer therapeutic possibilities for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- Psychedelics’ main advantage is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Report
The CNN article by Amy Woodyatt, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with serious sports injuries.
The story of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, is particularly moving. Carillo faced a series of challenges including seven diagnosed concussions, symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even simple family activities turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo commenced his exploration of medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a large dose in a more informal setting.
During a discussion with CNN, Carillo revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin, interspersed with occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
He emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient rest, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy levels, in addition to the use of psilocybin.
Why Athletes Are Turning to Psychedelics
Carillo is just one among many athletes who have turned to psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. A number of professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellbeing, especially with regard to mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and associate, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates equal to or even higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in helping athletes deal with mental health issues, especially those related to common challenges such as resistance to therapy, identity conflicts during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls various bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processes, emotional regulation, memory, speech, and coordination of movements. Individuals with impaired mental function may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is critical in sports, and there is growing interest in the potential role psychedelics could play in enhancing this aspect. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He noted that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a substance made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the evidence becomes persuasive when viewed in the context of psychological therapy, especially for treating depression, except for a few distinct cases.
In terms of treating brain disorders, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive research on the use of psychedelics. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential of psychedelics to promote neuron growth, there are relatively few studies that have directly investigated their potential advantages in the context of brain injury recovery.
As the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatment are evaluated, experts highlight the need for judicious use. Due to their potent impact, psychedelics may induce psychological disturbances if utilized by individuals who are psychologically susceptible.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain
The effects of psychedelics vary depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, characterized by Health Canada as mushrooms comprising hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, can cause sensory changes. These alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly produced by psilocybin. Rather, it is metabolized into psilocin after ingestion, the compound that gives rise to these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at the Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, indicates that these cells serve as the main computing units of the brain, functioning as the primary hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin alters brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
With respect to brain injury treatment, several theories propose the possible benefits of psychedelics. Classical psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation regulation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual role may enhance blood flow to injured regions and foster tissue repair post-injury. Animal studies have shown DMT to be effective in lessening brain damage caused by arterial occlusion.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a safe and dependable source for individuals seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee secure transactions by delivering products via reputable carriers like Canada Post.
At an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover an extensive selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom enthusiasts seeking intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals desiring a method to disguise undesirable tastes and avoid nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those aiming to integrate shrooms into their wellness routine by microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer various approaches for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This strategy yields promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced in multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal recognition from the medical community regarding psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic consumption varies depending on individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews reveal diverse consumption patterns: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics have the potential to amplify mindfulness skills. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, for instance, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, it’s advisable to visit a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to evade illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely promote authentic psychedelics.
Is it advisable to combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical experiments, scientists couple therapy sessions with psychedelic intake. Research shows that this blended approach can foster a deeper comprehension of individual experiences during high-dose mushroom trips, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management remains largely unexplored. That said, Anna Symonds, a former U.S. rugby player, has indicated that cannabis may have potential benefits in this context.
Research led by F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health delved into the potential application of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. Their studies suggest that psychedelics could help alleviate various types of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the management of chronic pain and associated conditions, such as PTSD and major depression.
However, research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain is scarce.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small amounts, is a distinctive method of psychedelic use. It has attracted the attention of athletes due to its ability to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. The adoption of this practice can lead to consistent results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is key for efficient decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
