In the aftermath of significant injuries, a rising number of sports professionals are seeking out unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional methods, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are gaining traction within the athletic community, as they seek relief and rehabilitation. This trend signals a change in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative therapies, with athletes exploring innovative solutions for their physical and mental challenges.
A majority of athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their use of magic mushrooms has substantially impacted their mental well-being and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, and sometimes surpassing, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could facilitate neuron growth, offering possible therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, which can support athletes grappling with injury consequences or high stress levels.
Athletes’ Experiences as Detailed in a CNN Article
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt and contributions from George Ramsay examines athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with severe sports-related injuries.
Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly poignant experience. His struggles consisted of seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so debilitating that even ordinary family activities became difficult undertakings.
Carillo started exploring medical research and came across 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 casual setting.
In an interview with CNN, he discussed his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin, supplemented with occasional larger doses. Additionally, he
To maintain his health, he regularly undergoes brain scans and blood tests.
He emphasizes the importance of habitual physical exercise, enough rest, moderation in consuming sugar and alcohol, and sun exposure in maintaining his robustness.
Athletes Attraction towards Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the aid of psychedelics to cope with life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, particularly mental health.
According to research by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even higher than, the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows promise in addressing athletes’ mental health problems, especially those related to common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal stress and disagreements.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is significant, particularly for athletes. The brain controls several bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Individuals with compromised mental functionality could experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is of utmost importance in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential benefits psychedelics could bring in enhancing it. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew, which included ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts suggest that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
In a discussion with CNN Sport, Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, said that the context becomes quite interesting when viewed in terms of psychological therapy, especially for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive data on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Although there’s been minimal direct research into the potential benefits of psychedelics for brain injury recovery, they have been known to stimulate neuron growth.
Although psychedelics show promise in mental health and brain injury treatment, it’s essential to exercise caution due to their potent effects. They could potentially induce psychological disturbances in psychologically vulnerable individuals.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms, for instance. These mushrooms, as defined by Health Canada, contain hallucinogenic compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. These alterations can include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle spasms or changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon consumption. This compound activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors found on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has researched psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational components of the brain, serving as the central hub of all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin changes brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, affecting cognition and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose that psychedelics could be beneficial. Traditional psychedelics influence serotonin receptors, known for regulating inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This could enhance blood flow to injured areas and aid tissue healing post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in minimizing brain damage caused by arterial blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. They guarantee secure transactions by shipping products via trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
Exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll find a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product offers unique characteristics and benefits. This variety caters to users’ diverse preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who appreciate the flavor of mushrooms and are seeking intense, immediate experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals who prefer to mask any unpalatable tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals aiming to include shrooms in their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms could potentially assist athletes dealing with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This method has shown encouraging and enduring results in various studies.
Though psychedelics are not yet officially recognized as treatment options by the medical field, experts caution that using magic mushrooms safely requires thorough understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual needs and preferences. According to CNN interviews, some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance concentration or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics have the potential to boost mindfulness skills, facilitating intense concentration and enabling easier access to a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily sell varieties of mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Be careful to avoid illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors that falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Should I incorporate talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical trials, the use of psychedelics is often combined with therapy sessions. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach can foster a deeper understanding. Assisting individuals in navigating the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences can enhance the psychedelic experience.
Is there a role for psychedelics in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is not yet fully understood. However, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has hinted at cannabis’ potential therapeutic effects.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health are exploring the potential of psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their research indicates that various types of pain, such as headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain may be alleviated by psychedelics. They propose that psychedelics can act as “effective adjuncts” in the management of chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
Research on the impact of psychedelics on acute pain, however, remains limited.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of regularly consuming small doses, is a distinct method of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes due to its ability to reduce negative effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. This practice can lead to sustainable improvements, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reads:
