As they face transformative injuries, a rising number of athletes are exploring non-traditional methods of healing and recovery.
Within this alternative spectrum, psychedelics such as magic mushrooms are attracting a growing number of athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes hunt for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has had a substantial influence on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes grapple with mental health struggles at rates similar to, or sometimes surpassing those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could foster neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes dealing with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Stories as Featured in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to manage serious sports injuries.
The story of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, stands out. He battled with seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. His struggles escalated to the point where even basic family outings became daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more informal setting.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he
He ensures his health is prioritized by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in the consumption of sugar and alcohol, and sunlight exposure to maintain his energy levels.
Why Psychedelics Attract Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who’s turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an effort to improve their overall well-being, especially in terms of mental health.
According to research led 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 those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in addressing athletes’ mental health issues, especially those related to common problems such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tension and conflicts.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those with impaired mental function may experience a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there’s a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in boosting concentration. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a compound from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field affirm that psychedelics have been effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
In a discussion with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, suggested that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from a psychotherapy standpoint, specifically in treating depression, barring a few exceptions.
Regarding brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data in the realm of psychedelic use and brain injury therapy. Some research suggests that psychedelics could potentially promote
Although research has shown the potential for psychedelics to stimulate neuron growth, there is a scarcity of direct evidence exploring their benefits in the context of brain injury recovery.
While the potential of psychedelics in addressing mental health issues and aiding brain injury recovery is undeniable, experts stress the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological disturbances in psychologically vulnerable individuals.
Deciphering How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific substance ingested. For instance, magic mushrooms, as per Health Canada, are a type of mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to sensory alterations. Such alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional changes, or physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Interestingly, these effects are not directly attributable to psilocybin. Instead, the body metabolizes psilocybin into psilocin, the compound actually responsible for these effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
According to David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and a long-time researcher of psychedelics, these cells are the brain’s primary computational units, functioning as the main hub for all processing. When psilocin activates these receptors, it alters the brain’s metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
With regard to treating brain injuries, several theories suggest potential benefits of psychedelics. Classical psychedelics engage with serotonin receptors, known for their role in regulating inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured regions and stimulate tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown efficacy in mitigating brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Embarking on a Healing Journey with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a safe and dependable avenue for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. They guarantee secure transactions by delivering goods through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
An online magic mushroom dispensary offers a diverse assortment of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product carries its unique attributes and advantages, providing users with a variety of options to best meet their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers who seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who wish to mask harsh tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals considering the addition of shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms show promise in supporting the mental health of athletes facing traumatic injuries and occupational stress. They offer various strategies for managing symptoms, especially when paired with therapy. This method has shown to produce promising and long-lasting results, as demonstrated in many studies.
While the medical community has not officially acknowledged psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms requires a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on personal needs and preferences. CNN interviews reveal diverse consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses for enhancing focus or improving overall health.
Carhart-Harris asserts that low doses of psychedelics have significant potential to heighten mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment 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, and Turkey Tail. For magic mushrooms, you may want to consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical trials, scientists pair therapy sessions with the intake of psychedelics. Research suggests that this combined approach can foster a deeper understanding. Assisting individuals in interpreting the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics have a role in managing injury-related distress?
Can Psychedelics Assist in Managing Pain?
The role of psychedelics in pain management has not been comprehensively studied. However, Anna Symonds, a former rugby player from the US, has hinted at the potential advantages of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health examined the potential of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their findings suggest that psychedelics could relieve various forms of pain, including headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
There is a lack of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain management.
How Can Athletes Incorporate Psychedelics into Their Regimens?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small quantities, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its ability to reduce negative effects while maintaining therapeutic benefits. This practice can lead to sustainable results such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
