In the wake of severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are delving into unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among such alternatives, psychedelics, like magic mushrooms, are seeing a surge in popularity among athletes in search of relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s view of alternative therapies, as athletes explore new ways to address their physical and mental challenges.
Most athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has notably impacted their mental health and various hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes grapple with mental health problems at rates similar to or occasionally higher than those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic options for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics lies in their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injury or high-stress situations.
Athletes’ Accounts as Detailed in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, supplemented by George Ramsay, delves into athletes using psychedelics to cope with significant sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, relayed a particularly poignant tale. His battles encompassed seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family excursions turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a significant dose in a more informal setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he detailed his routine of frequently microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he He actively maintains his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, responsible consumption of sugar and alcohol, and adequate sunlight exposure to maintain his robust health.
The Attraction of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the aid of psychedelics to cope with life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an effort to enhance their overall well-being, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes are prone to mental health problems at rates comparable to or even exceeding those of the general population. The use of psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those related to common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions or injuries, and the management of interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech capacity, and movement coordination. Individuals with compromised mental functionality may experience a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing intrigue about the potential role psychedelics could play in improving this aspect. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Field experts argue that psychedelics have proven to be 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 situation becomes interesting when viewed from the standpoint of psychological therapy, especially in the treatment of depression, with a few significant exceptions.
With regards to treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data on the benefits of psychedelic use. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics could potentially support neuron enhancement, although minimal research has been done to investigate their potential advantages following a brain trauma.
While exploring the possible uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain damage treatments, specialists also emphasize the need for careful consideration. Due to their potent impacts, psychedelics may potentially instigate mental disruptions when utilized by psychologically vulnerable individuals.
Comprehending the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific variety consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to sensory modifications. These modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, physical sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound responsible for these effects. Psilocin triggers the activation of serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy, and a researcher of psychedelics since the 1960s, claims that these cells serve as the primary computational components of the brain, functioning as the central hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which impacts cognitive functionality and perception.
With respect to brain damage therapy, several theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics influence serotonin receptors, known to manage inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured regions and stimulate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in lessening brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe purchases by delivering items through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
When perusing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own unique characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | BEST FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers who prefer a fast and intense experience |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking to mask the taste and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to incorporate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms may potentially assist athletes in managing mental health issues associated with traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer an array of techniques for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This approach has yielded encouraging and sustained results as demonstrated in multiple studies.
While psychedelics are yet to receive formal acceptance as a treatment approach from the medical community, 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 amount of psychedelic consumption varies depending on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews disclose a spectrum of usage patterns: some prefer rare high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris suggests that using low doses of psychedelics could potentially augment mindfulness abilities, fostering heightened concentration and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily sell various types of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be wary to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely claim to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy in my psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers often couple therapy sessions with psychedelic use. The findings suggest that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding of the insights obtained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thus enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be utilized to manage pain?
Despite limited research on the application of psychedelics for pain control, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has alluded to the potential benefits of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their studies indicate that psychedelics might help alleviate various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
However, there is still a scarcity of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, a practice involving the consistent intake of small psychedelic doses, is becoming increasingly popular among athletes. This is due to its capacity to limit adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. The adoption of this method can result in long-term benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Resort To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
