In the wake of serious injuries, a rising number of athletes are investigating non-traditional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics, namely magic mushrooms, are earning favor with athletes seeking solace and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a medical setting, suggesting they probably procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The experience of consuming magic mushrooms has had a profound impact on their mental wellbeing and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- The prevalence of mental health issues among athletes is often equal to or even surpasses that of the general public.
- Psychedelics may foster neuronal growth, offering potential healing opportunities for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, featuring insights from George Ramsay, delves into athletes resorting to psychedelics for managing serious sports injuries.
A striking account comes from Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His ordeal included seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and persistent headaches. The challenges became so severe that even routine family excursions became arduous.
Carillo started probing medical research and stumbled upon a psilocybin study carried out by the Imperial College of London. Rather than enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a significant dose in a non-clinical setting.
In an interview with CNN, he disclosed his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin with sporadic use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He ensures his health remains optimal by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight to maintain his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought out psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in hopes of improving their overall wellness, especially as it pertains to mental health.
According to a study led 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 presents potential solutions for mental health struggles among athletes, especially those related to common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is of paramount importance, particularly for athletes. The brain is responsible for various bodily functions such as organ regulation, cognition, emotional control, memory storage, speech and movement coordination. People with compromised mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Concentration is crucial in sports, and there is a growing interest in the potential role of psychedelics in improving this aspect. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive effect on his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly in addressing depression, with some exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out that there is a lack of extensive knowledge on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may aid in the regeneration of certain neural pathways. neuron growth, yet only a handful of researches have directly investigated their potential advantages in the wake of a brain injury.
While considering the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, it is crucial to highlight the necessity of careful administration. Owing to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological disturbances if consumed by individuals who are psychologically susceptible.
Deciphering How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific variant consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these are mushrooms that carry hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. These modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional variations, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The mentioned effects are not directly provoked by psilocybin; instead, it gets metabolized into psilocin upon consumption, the compound accountable for the 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 with decades of experience in studying psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational elements of the brain, functioning as the central station where all processing takes place. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, numerous theories propose how psychedelics might prove advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and can also restrain cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action might enhance blood circulation to injured regions and foster tissue recovery post-injury. In animal experiments, DMT has demonstrated efficacy in minimizing brain damage induced by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries act as a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries facilitate safe purchases by delivering items through trustworthy carriers like Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a diverse selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its distinct features and advantages, enabling users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who appreciate the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals who wish to mask unfavorable tastes and prevent nausea during lengthy trips |
| Capsules | Individuals who want to integrate shrooms into their wellness routine via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms exhibit potential in supporting the mental wellbeing of athletes facing traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various methods for managing symptoms, particularly when combined with therapy. This approach yields encouraging and enduring outcomes, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
Although psychedelics haven’t been officially approved as a treatment approach by the medical field, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose diverse consumption habits: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or uplift overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that using low doses of psychedelics to augment mindfulness abilities holds genuine potential. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide various mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. However, be wary of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely advertising authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with my use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers couple therapy sessions with psychedelic consumption. Evidence suggests this combined approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of personal experiences and emotions. Supporting individuals in interpreting insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can amplify the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to alleviate pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management has not been extensively researched. Nevertheless, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, suggests that cannabis might have beneficial effects in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health looks into the use of psychedelics as a treatment for chronic pain. Their findings indicate that psychedelics might help relieve different types of pain, including headaches, cancer-induced pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The study proposes that psychedelics could serve as “effective supplements” in managing chronic pain and associated disorders like PTSD and major depression.
The existing research on the impact of psychedelics on acute pain is relatively scarce.
What is the potential role of psychedelics in athletes’ routines?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small quantities, is a distinct feature of psychedelic use. This method has become popular among athletes as it reduces adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Implementing this practice can lead to lasting benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for making effective decisions, particularly under high-stress conditions.
Primary Source:
Athletes Turning to Psychedelics after Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
