As a response to life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes have started to seek out unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these non-traditional methods, the use of psychedelics, including magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly common among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This shift indicates a change in the athletic community’s approach towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for new ways to overcome their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom usage have had a significant impact on their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, and sometimes even greater than, the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Documented in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into athletes using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, relayed an especially powerful story. He faced numerous struggles, including seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so severe that even basic family outings turned into difficult undertakings.
Carillo began researching medical journals and found a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a significant dose in a more informal setting.
In an interview with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional usage of larger doses. He also
He maintains his health by frequently undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight to keep his energy levels high.
Why Athletes are Turning to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances such as ayahuasca and LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to or even higher than the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to offer potential solutions to athletes’ mental health problems, particularly those resulting from common issues like resistance to therapy, identity conflicts during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal stress and conflicts.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain controls many bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. People with diminished mental functions may experience a decrease in their performance and concentration.
Concentration is essential in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in improving focus. In a report on CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his own experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his performance in football games.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes persuasive when viewed from the standpoint of psychological therapy, especially for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data on psychedelic use. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote healing in this area.
Psychedelics have shown promise in promoting neuron growth. However, scant research has been conducted to investigate their potential advantages following a brain injury.
In the exploration of psychedelics’ potential applications in mental health and brain injury treatments, experts stress the need for prudence. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could possibly induce psychological disturbances if used by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Exploring How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary based on the specific kind consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms have hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in sensory perception. These variations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly generated by psilocybin; instead, it is converted into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin triggers serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central processing hub. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to shifts in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which influences cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury therapy, there are several hypotheses about how psychedelics could be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This double action could enhance blood supply to injured regions and foster tissue repair post injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in diminishing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing via Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
By exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its distinct characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that most closely aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Mushroom lovers who desire intense, speedy experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during prolonged journeys |
| Capsules | Those looking to integrate shrooms into their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms could potentially assist athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They provide various techniques for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This method yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as demonstrated in several studies.
Although the medical community has yet to officially accept psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for secure usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes use psychedelics in high or low quantities?
Psychedelic usage varies according to individual requirements and preferences. According to CNN interviews, consumption habits differ: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris suggests that low doses of psychedelics have great potential to amplify mindfulness skills. This can foster deep concentration, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to consider visiting a psychedelic or magic mushroom dispensary. Be wary of unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely promote authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In research studies, therapy sessions are often combined with psychedelic use. Research suggests that this joint approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension. Assisting individuals in understanding the revelations from high-dose mushroom trips can enrich the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing pain related to injuries?
Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is yet to be thoroughly investigated. Nonetheless, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has indicated that cannabis may have possible advantages in this domain.
F. Z. Zia and a team from the National Institutes of Health have conducted research into the possible application of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their findings suggest that psychedelics might help relieve various kinds 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 like PTSD and major depression.
However, studies focusing on acute pain and the role of psychedelics are not extensive.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of small quantities, is a distinctive feature of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce adverse effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Adopting this method can result in sustainable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
