More athletes are turning to non-traditional methods for healing and recovery after experiencing significant injuries.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are attracting interest as a viable alternative for athletes seeking to alleviate their physical and mental struggles. This trend signifies a transformation in the sports world’s attitude towards unconventional therapies.
Most athletes admit to using these substances outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they typically source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of magic mushroom usage on their mental health and other challenges they face has been noteworthy.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at levels similar to, if not higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics may stimulate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits to individuals recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to enhance mental health, aiding athletes dealing with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
The Experiences of Athletes as Detailed in a CNN Article
George Ramsay and Amy Woodyatt’s article on CNN’s website explores how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a compelling personal experience. He suffered from seven diagnosed concussions, leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and persistent headaches. These problems became so distressing that even basic family activities became daunting.
Carillo sought answers in medical research and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to consume a substantial dose in a less formal environment.
During his discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin mixed with occasional usage of larger doses. In addition, he maintains his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sun exposure for maintaining his health and energy levels.
Psychedelics’ Appeal to Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to deal with life’s challenges. A range of professional athletes have explored drugs like ayahuasca and LSD in an attempt to improve their overall health, especially in terms of mental wellness.
According to a study 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 exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health concerns among athletes, especially those related to common issues like resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is essential, particularly for athletes. The brain manages various bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. People with impaired mental function may experience a decline in their performance and concentration.
Focus is critical in sports, and the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration is attracting growing interest. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a substance made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation is intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, especially in treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
Regarding the use of psychedelics for brain injury treatments, Carhart-Harris pointed out the limited data available. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may encourage
Only a small number of studies have directly investigated the potential benefits of neuron growth following brain injury.
While the prospective benefits of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments are being explored, specialists emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially instigate psychological disturbances if used by individuals in a psychologically fragile state.
How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Produce Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the particular kind consumed. Let’s use magic mushrooms as an example. Health Canada describes these as mushrooms with hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to altered sensory experiences. These modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, touch sensations, emotional changes, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly triggered by psilocybin; instead, it is converted into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound that actually creates these effects. Psilocin stimulates 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 fundamental computational units of the brain, serving as the primary processing center. When psilocin activates these receptors, alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity occur, affecting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, various theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to help control inflammation, and are also capable of inhibiting cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and promote tissue repair following injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown effectiveness in minimizing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those looking for genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering products via reputable carriers like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, one will discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct features and advantages, offering users the ability to select an option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Mushrooms | Individuals who love the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edible Products/ Beverages | Those who want to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | People interested in integrating mushrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics such as mushrooms demonstrate potential in supporting the mental wellness of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and professional pressures. They offer multiple strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This approach has proven to yield promising, long-lasting results, as evidenced in several studies.
While the medical community has not officially accepted psychedelics as a form of treatment, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding to ensure safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual needs and preferences. CNN interviews depict a variety of usage patterns: some opt for less frequent high doses, while others prefer lower doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there’s significant potential in utilizing lower doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness abilities. This could aid in developing intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily sell various types of mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a dedicated magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, be careful to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or vendors who falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Is it beneficial to combine talk therapy with psychedelic usage?
During clinical trials, researchers often combine therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Research suggests that this integrated approach can foster a deeper comprehension of personal experiences during high-dose mushroom use, thereby enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics have a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used as a solution for pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is an under-researched area. Nonetheless, Anna Symonds, a former rugby player from the US, points towards the potential benefits of cannabis in this field.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possibility of using psychedelics to treat chronic pain. Their findings suggest that psychedelics can help ease a variety of pain types, such as headaches, cancer-associated pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
The research on the role of psychedelics in acute pain management is relatively scarce.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing is a practice involving the regular intake of small quantities of psychedelics. It’s garnering interest among athletes due to its potential to reduce negative impacts while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this approach can result in sustainable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is essential for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Additional Reads:
