As a result of severe injuries that have significantly impacted their lives, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Psychedelic substances, such as magic mushrooms, are among the alternative methods gaining traction among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s mindset towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to consuming magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, implying that they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has significantly influenced their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health issues at rates similar to or occasionally surpassing those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could facilitate neuron growth, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for individuals recuperating from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, provides insight into athletes’ use of psychedelics to manage serious sports injuries.
A particularly poignant story was shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and constant headaches. These challenges became so overwhelming that even ordinary family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo turned to medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to administer a significant dose in a more informal setting.
During his dialogue with CNN, he revealed his practice of consistently microdosing psilocybin with occasional usage of larger doses. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his well-being by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin usage, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sun exposure in maintaining his energy levels.
Why Athletes Are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo is just one of many athletes who have sought help from psychedelics to overcome life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have dabbled with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall wellness, especially with regards to mental health.
According to research by Courtney Walton, a psychology academic fellow at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the average person. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health struggles among athletes, especially those derived from common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal tension and disputes.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly significant for athletes. The brain controls several bodily functions, from organ regulation and thought processing to emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with diminished mental functionality may experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is critical in sports, and there is growing curiosity about how psychedelics might enhance this attribute. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He shared that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant-based mixture with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Insights from the Experts
Experts in the area assert that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes compelling when viewed from a psychological therapy perspective, particularly for depression treatment, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding brain injury treatment with psychedelics, Carhart-Harris underscored the lack of extensive knowledge in this field. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics might encourage
The potential benefits of psychedelics on neuron growth following a brain injury are under-researched.
While the potential of psychedelics as a therapeutic tool for mental health and brain injuries is being researched, experts highlight the need for careful consideration due to their potent effects. There’s a risk that psychedelics could induce psychological disturbances in those who are psychologically fragile.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Psychedelics in the Brain
The effects of psychedelics vary depending on the specific substance consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, as described by Health Canada, are mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. These can lead to alterations in perception, such as visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms including muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
The psychedelic effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon consumption, which then activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors in cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and a long-time researcher of psychedelics, explains that these cells function as the main computational units of the brain, essentially acting as the processing center. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolism and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
With regard to treating brain injuries, several theories propose the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to regulate inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could potentially increase blood supply to injured areas and facilitate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal models, DMT has demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating brain damage resulting from arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Towards Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable option for those looking for genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe delivery through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
An online magic mushroom dispensary offers a diverse selection of shrooms and psychedelic products, each possessing its own unique properties and advantages. This diversity enables users to select an option that aligns best with their individual preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom enthusiasts who appreciate intense, immediate experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals wishing to add shrooms to their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms may assist athletes in managing mental health issues stemming from traumatic injuries and job-related stresses. When paired with therapy, these substances offer diverse strategies for symptom management, yielding promising and enduring outcomes as documented in numerous studies.
Although psychedelics have not yet received formal acceptance as a treatment method in the medical field, experts caution that a comprehensive understanding is crucial for the safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Common Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic usage varies according to personal needs and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics hold significant potential for improving mindfulness abilities, thus fostering intense focus and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom shop?
Medicinal mushroom outlets typically stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, you might want to visit a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, therapy sessions often accompany psychedelic usage. Research suggests that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding. Guiding individuals through the revelations from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
The exploration of psychedelics as a method of pain management is not entirely comprehensive yet. Nevertheless, Anna Symonds, a former rugby player in the United States, has suggested that cannabis may have potential benefits for pain relief.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and colleagues from the National Institutes of Health have examined the possibility of using psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics might be effective for a range of pain types, including headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the management of chronic pain and associated conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and major depression.
However, studies focusing on the use of psychedelics for acute pain are scant.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimes?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly consuming minimal doses, is a distinctive approach to psychedelic use that has gained traction among athletes. This is due to its ability to limit negative side effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Embracing this approach can result in sustained benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
Athletes Using Psychedelics to Overcome Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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