In the aftermath of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are venturing into unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics, like magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular among athletes in search of relief and rehabilitation. This trend marks a significant shift in the sports community’s view on alternative therapies as athletes look for innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
The majority of athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, which implies that they probably got them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The use of magic mushrooms has notably affected their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health challenges at rates that are similar to or even beyond those experienced by the general population.
- Psychedelics could potentially stimulate neuron growth, offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to improve mental health, which assists athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high levels of stress.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Article
George Ramsay and Amy Woodyatt’s report on the CNN website explores how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
The article shares the impactful story of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He had seven diagnosed concussions, leading to symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and persistent headaches. These issues became so severe that even straightforward family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical studies and stumbled upon a psilocybin research conducted by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to use a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger quantities. He also noted that he the healing process by facilitating neural connections, but more research is needed to substantiate these observations.
Aside from psilocybin, Carrillo emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sunlight exposure to maintain his health and energy levels.
The Attraction of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carrillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to cope with life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to enhance their overall wellness, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to or even exceeding those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in tackling athletes’ mental health problems, particularly those stemming from common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with personal conflicts and disagreements.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is significant, particularly for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Individuals with diminished mental functionality might experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Concentration is crucial in sports, and there is growing interest in how psychedelics might help enhance this focus. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics, revealing that his football performance improved after consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
In a discussion with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, stated that from a psychological therapy perspective, particularly for treating depression, the case for psychedelics is compelling, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of thorough research in this area. Although some evidence suggests that psychedelics may aid in neural regeneration, further studies are required to confirm these claims.
Neuronal regeneration is a potential benefit of psychedelic substances, yet not many studies have delved into their possible advantages in the wake of brain damage.
As researchers probe the potential uses of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatments, they also stress the necessity of caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could provoke psychological issues if used by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Way Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific kind consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada states that these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to changes in sensory perception. These alterations can range from visual or auditory illusions, tactile experiences, emotional shifts, to physical symptoms such as muscle stiffness and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The psychedelic effects aren’t directly produced by psilocybin; rather, it transforms into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that generates these effects. Psilocin stimulates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University’s School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, asserts that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central processing point. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which in turn influences cognitive function and perception.
In terms of treating brain injuries, several theories propose that psychedelics could be helpful. Classical psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known for their role in controlling inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This double action could enhance blood circulation to damaged regions and foster tissue recovery post-injury. Animal studies have demonstrated that DMT can decrease brain damage resulting from arterial blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: An Avenue for Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and trustworthy platform for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
In an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a diverse array of shrooms and psychedelic products, each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. This variety broadens the scope of benefits and allows users to select the option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish mushroom flavor and seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals looking to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Summary
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes struggling with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This combined technique yields promising and sustainable results, as demonstrated in several studies.
Though psychedelics have not yet received formal approval as a therapeutic method from the medical fraternity, experts emphasize that using magic mushrooms safely necessitates a comprehensive understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews expose a variety of usage patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have significant potential to amplify mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom stores predominantly provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider going to a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who misrepresent authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research indicates that this combined approach can facilitate a deeper understanding of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related stress?
Can psychedelics be utilized for managing pain?
The potential for psychedelics to be used in pain management is not yet fully understood. However, Anna Symonds, a retired rugby player from the US, has suggested that cannabis might have significant benefits in this field.
F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted research into the prospective use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their findings indicate that psychedelics may help alleviate a variety of pain types, 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 disorders such as PTSD and major depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain remains sparse.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their training regimens?
Microdosing, which involves the routine intake of minimal doses, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this practice can lead to enduring results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
