In the face of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are exploring non-traditional healing and recovery methods.
One of these unconventional choices, psychedelics like magic mushrooms, is gaining traction among athletes seeking solace and rehabilitation. This pattern indicates a transformation in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside clinical settings, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom consumption have notably affected their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates comparable to or sometimes surpassing those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may facilitate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic prospects for individuals healing from severe brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the repercussions of injuries or high stress.
Recollections of Athletes as Documented in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on CNN’s website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, delves into athletes utilizing psychedelics to tackle serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly compelling narrative. His battles included seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and chronic headaches. These issues became so debilitating that even basic family activities turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to consume a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his routine of consistently microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He regularly monitors his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, balanced sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight in maintaining his energy levels.
Psychedelics and Their Appeal to Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who resorts to psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. Many professional athletes have dabbled in substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, especially in terms of mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, a research associate at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes encounter mental health problems at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general public. Psychedelic therapy holds potential in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those arising from common obstacles like therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal tensions and conflicts.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is crucial, particularly for athletes. The brain controls various bodily functions such as the regulation of organs, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those experiencing compromised mental functionality may notice a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in enhancing this concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven beneficial in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the use of psychedelics becomes significant when viewed in the context of psychological therapy, particularly for depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain HTML: Carhart-Harris pointed out the absence of exhaustive data on the use of psychedelics in brain injury treatment. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
While the influence of psychedelics on nerve growth has been noted, there are not many studies that investigate their potential advantages in brain injury recovery.
Experts investigating the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health treatment and brain injury recovery caution against reckless use. Given their potent impact, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological issues when used by psychologically vulnerable individuals.
Deciphering the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain
The effects of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific variant consumed. For instance, magic mushrooms, as explained by Health Canada, are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, causing changes in sensory perception. These changes could range from visual or auditory hallucinations to tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps or variations in heart rate and blood pressure.
However, these effects are not directly caused by psilocybin; it is metabolized into psilocin upon consumption, which is the compound that triggers the effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at the Purdue University School of Pharmacy, who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, points out that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, acting as a central hub for processing. Psilocin’s stimulation of these receptors leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which in turn affects cognitive function and perception.
Regarding treatment for brain injuries, there are several theories that suggest how psychedelics could be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to regulate inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and facilitate tissue repair after injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven to be effective in reducing brain damage resulting from artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a secure and reliable platform for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering items through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
At an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll find a vast array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has its own unique characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that aligns best with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Folks who appreciate the flavor of mushrooms and seek immediate, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People wanting to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals keen on incorporating shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
In Summary
Psychedelics, including mushrooms, exhibit potential in assisting athletes’ mental health, particularly those grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. Utilizing these substances in conjunction with therapy provides varied strategies for symptom control, yielding promising and durable outcomes, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
While the medical community hasn’t officially endorsed psychedelics as a treatment option, it is crucial to note that safely consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes prefer high or low doses of psychedelics?
The use of psychedelics varies based on individual needs and desires. CNN interviews reveal diverse consumption patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer smaller doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics hold the potential to improve mindfulness capabilities. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and so on. For magic mushrooms, you might want to check out a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors falsely claiming to sell authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often combined with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this integrated approach can deepen the understanding of psychedelic experiences. Supporting individuals in interpreting the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics have a part to play in managing injury-related stress?
Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is yet to be fully explored. Anna Symonds, an ex-US rugby player, has suggested that cannabis might hold some benefits in this domain.
Research by F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health hints at the possible application of psychedelics in managing persistent pain. Their findings imply that psychedelics could reduce various kinds of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The team posits that psychedelics may serve as effective supplements in managing chronic pain and associated disorders like PTSD and severe depression.
However, the research concerning the role of psychedelics in acute pain management is scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, or the practice of regularly taking small doses, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic usage. It’s becoming increasingly popular among athletes as it minimizes adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. This practice can lead to consistent results such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Further Reading:
