In the wake of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to non-traditional healing and recovery techniques.
One such unconventional method, the use of psychedelic substances like magic mushrooms, is gaining traction among athletes seeking rehabilitation and relief. This trend symbolizes a paradigm shift in the sports community’s approach to alternative therapies, as athletes scout for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
A majority of athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has significantly affected their mental health and various other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are similar to or sometimes surpass those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The principal advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the aftermath of an injury or high-stress situations.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, in collaboration with George Ramsay, delves into athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared an especially compelling narrative. He grappled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even simple family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
In an interview with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. Moreover, he conscientiously maintains his well-being by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical movement, sufficient sleep, responsible consumption of sugar and alcohol, and regular sunlight exposure in maintaining his health and vitality.
The Attraction of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the assistance of psychedelics in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, especially in the context of mental health.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates comparable to or even surpassing those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy has shown potential in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those stemming from typical challenges like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing personal conflicts and disagreements.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is vital, especially for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with impaired mental functionality may experience deterioration in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential contribution of psychedelics to enhancing this concentration. In a related CNN report, 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 performance in football matches.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, conveyed to CNN Sport that the case becomes persuasive when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, specifically in alleviating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris emphasized the scarcity of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics might facilitate
In the wake of a brain injury, only a handful of studies have directly probed the possible advantages of neuron growth.
While the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and treatments for brain injuries are being examined, experts emphasize the need for careful use. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics can potentially induce psychological disorders in individuals who are in a mentally fragile state.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Generate Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to changes in sensory perception. These alterations might include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms like muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects aren’t directly produced by psilocybin; instead, it is metabolized into psilocin after ingestion, which is the compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin triggers serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found on pyramidal cells in the cortex of the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy, who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, states that these cells function as the main computational units of the brain, serving as the central hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, affecting cognitive function and perception.
In terms of treating brain injuries, several theories propose potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known for their role in regulating inflammation, and they can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function could enhance blood flow to damaged areas and aid tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in lessening brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Journey towards Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe purchases by using trusted delivery services like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its unique characteristics and advantages, offering users the ability to choose an option that most closely aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savour the flavour of mushrooms and seek intense, fast-acting experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals who prefer masking any unpleasant taste and wish to avoid nausea during prolonged journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals who want to include shrooms in their wellness regimen through microdosing |
In Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms have demonstrated potential in assisting athletes with mental health issues arising from traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various strategies for symptom management, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This approach has been associated with encouraging and long-lasting outcomes, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although the medical community is yet to formally recognize psychedelics as a treatment modality, experts stress that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual needs and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a spectrum of usage patterns: some prefer occasional high doses, while others lean towards low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics can potentially enhance mindfulness abilities, leading to intense focus and facilitating the achievement of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide a variety of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. However, exercise caution to avoid illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical trials, researchers often pair therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Studies suggest that this combined approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics help manage pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not fully understood yet. Nevertheless, Anna Symonds, a former rugby player from the US, has suggested that cannabis may offer certain benefits in this field.
F. Z. Zia and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health have conducted studies on the use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics may help reduce various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as a significant supplementary treatment in managing chronic pain and related disorders, such as PTSD and severe depression.
There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain management.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of small amounts, is a unique method of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes for its potential to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Implementing this practice can lead to long-term benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is crucial for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes Turning To Psychedelics After Life-Altering Injuries
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
