As a response to severe injuries that alter their lives, a growing number of athletes are investigating unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these alternative options, psychedelics, like magic mushrooms, are becoming highly sought-after among athletes in search of relief and recuperation. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s outlook on alternative treatments, as athletes explore novel approaches to their physical and mental challenges.
The majority of athletes admit to consuming magic mushrooms outside of a formal medical setting, suggesting that they are likely procuring them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has had a profound effect on their mental health and other issues they face.
[toc]Key Points:
- Athletes encounter mental health problems at rates equal to or sometimes surpassing those of the general public.
- Psychedelics may assist in neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals healing from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with input from George Ramsay, explores how athletes are using psychedelics to manage serious sports-related injuries.
A particularly moving story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His struggles consisted of seven documented concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and chronic headaches. These problems were so severe that even straightforward family outings became formidable tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to consume a significant dose in a more informal setting.
During an interview with CNN, he discussed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his well-being by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his vigor.
Attraction of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete turning to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. A multitude of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, aiming to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in the context of mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates comparable to or even exceeding that of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to show promise in addressing these mental health issues, especially those stemming from common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal conflicts and disputes.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is pivotal, particularly for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. A decline in mental functionality can lead to decreased performance and concentration.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there’s a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics might play in improving this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction sourced from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his football performance.
Expert Insights
Experts in this field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, shared with CNN Sport that the idea becomes intriguing when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, specifically in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of brain injury treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may contribute to
Research on psychedelics has shown potential for neuron regrowth, but their potential benefits following a brain injury haven’t been extensively examined.
As experts delve into the potential use of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatments, they emphasize the importance of caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological issues if used by individuals in a vulnerable psychological state.
Decoding the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. Take magic mushrooms, for instance. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinatory compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to altered senses. These could include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch sensation, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
However, these effects are not directly triggered by psilocybin. Rather, upon ingestion, it is metabolized into psilocin – the compound actually responsible for these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors present on cortical pyramidal cells within 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 primary computational units of the brain, serving as the central processing core. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which impacts cognitive function and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to assist in regulating inflammation, and can also impede cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual functionality could enhance blood flow to injured areas and facilitate tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in reducing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Healing Journey with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a dependable and secure source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries offer safe purchases by delivering items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic items. Each product offers unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/Drinks | People seeking to mask undesired tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals interested in integrating shrooms into their wellness regimen via 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 diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This approach yields promising and enduring outcomes, as evidenced in various studies.
While psychedelics aren’t formally acknowledged as a therapeutic method by the medical fraternity, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on personal needs and choices. CNN interviews depict a spectrum of usage patterns: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris argues that low doses of psychedelics have genuine potential to augment mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or suppliers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I incorporate conversational therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Research shows that this joint approach can foster a deeper understanding. Assisting individuals to decipher the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences amplifies the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics ameliorate pain?
While the application of psychedelics in pain relief is not extensively researched, Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has alluded to the possible advantages of cannabis in this domain.
F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics could ease various kinds of pain, such as headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. Psychedelics are suggested to serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and related disorders like PTSD and severe depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics in acute pain management is scant.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimens?
Microdosing, or the routine intake of minor doses, is a distinct method of psychedelic use. This practice has gained traction among athletes due to its potential to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Incorporating this method can lead to durable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is pivotal for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reading:
