A growing number of athletes who have suffered severe injuries are turning to non-traditional healing and recovery methods.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are on the rise among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This shift indicates a change in the sports community’s view on alternative therapies as athletes search for new ways to address their physical and mental challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The use of these mushrooms has had a profound effect on their mental wellness and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to, or sometimes greater than, the general public.
- Psychedelics may stimulate neuron growth, offering potential therapeutic benefits for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Piece
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, supported by George Ramsay, focuses on athletes using psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
An especially touching account is that of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. He suffered from seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and persistent headaches. These problems became so intense that even routine family activities became a struggle.
On researching medical literature, Carillo came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to consume a larger dose in a more relaxed environment.
Speaking with CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of higher quantities. Additionally, he regularly conducts brain scans and blood tests to ensure optimal health.
Apart from his use of psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular physical exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in the consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight to maintain his vigor.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who resorts to psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, especially regarding mental health issues.
A study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, revealed that elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to or even higher than the general populace. Psychedelic therapy seems to offer a promising solution to mental health struggles among athletes, especially those related to common issues like therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tension and conflicts.
The role of psychedelics in mental health care is crucial, especially for athletes. The brain is responsible for numerous bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Reduced mental functionality can lead to a decrease in performance and concentration.
Concentration is pivotal in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing focus. In a report by CNN, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field affirm that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating specific mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes intriguing when viewed from the lens of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive knowledge concerning psychedelic use. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Despite the evidence pointing to the potential of psychedelics in promoting neuron growth, there are limited direct studies exploring their possible advantages following a brain injury.
While the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments are being investigated, experts stress the necessity of caution. Due to their potent impact, psychedelics may provoke psychological disturbances if consumed by those in a vulnerable psychological state.
Decoding the Interaction of Psychedelics with the Brain to Yield Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. As an instance, consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms carrying hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in senses. These alterations might manifest as visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Contrarily, these effects are not directly attributed to psilocybin; rather, it’s metabolized into psilocin, the compound accountable for the effects, post-consumption. Psilocin triggers the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has delved into the study of psychedelics since the 1960s, claims that these cells serve as the principal computational units of the brain, functioning as the main hub where all processing transpires. Psilocin’s activation of these receptors results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, impacting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, several theories propose how psychedelics may offer benefits. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to play a role in managing inflammation, and can also curb cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual role could enhance blood flow to injured zones and foster tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has demonstrated efficacy in diminishing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Recovery with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a trustworthy and secure platform for those interested in acquiring genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee secure transactions by delivering items through reputable carriers such as Canada Post.
When exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each item carries distinctive characteristics and advantages. This diversity showcases the benefits and empowers users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who relish the flavor of mushrooms and are seeking intense, immediate experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals aiming to mask any unpleasant tastes and prevent queasiness during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those who are curious about integrating shrooms into their health regimen through microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have demonstrated potential in assisting athletes coping with traumatic injuries and career-related stress. They offer a variety of strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. Numerous studies have reported promising and enduring outcomes with this approach.
Despite the lack of formal medical recognition, experts caution that consuming 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 requirements and preferences. Interviews conducted by CNN reveal diverse consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer consistent low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics can be potent in developing mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets predominantly provide a variety of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you should consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be sure to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom vendors or those falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Is it advisable to include talk therapy while using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this integrative approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of one’s self. Assisting individuals to interpret the revelations from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics alleviate pain?
While the potential of psychedelics in pain management is not extensively explored, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested that cannabis could have potential benefits in this domain.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the potential therapeutic use of psychedelics for chronic pain management. Findings indicate that psychedelics might help ease different kinds of pain including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. Their research proposes that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” for managing chronic pain and related conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, the research on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of acute pain is rather scant.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small doses, is a distinctive facet of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its capability to mitigate negative side effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. This method can lead to long-lasting benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is critical for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful conditions.
Primary Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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