In the wake of severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are seeking unconventional methods for healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional means, psychedelic substances, such as magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly favored by athletes in search of relief and rehabilitation. This shift signifies a changing attitude within the sports community towards alternative treatments as athletes search for novel ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they probably procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The effects of their magic mushroom use have greatly affected their mental wellbeing and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates similar to or sometimes higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics could assist in neuron development, potentially offering therapeutic possibilities for those recovering from serious brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to improve mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Encounters as Described in a CNN Report
An article on the CNN website by Amy Woodyatt, with input from George Ramsay, looks into athletes resorting to psychedelics to cope with severe sports injuries.
One particularly poignant story is that of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. His battles included seven recorded concussions that led to symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and persistent headaches. These problems became so daunting that even basic family gatherings turned into difficult endeavors.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he disclosed his practice of routinely microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of higher doses. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to the consumption of psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled intake of sugar and alcohol, and adequate sunlight exposure for maintaining his vitality.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought the help of psychedelics to navigate life’s challenges. A plethora of professional athletes have dabbled with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in a bid to enhance their overall wellness, especially with regard to mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to or even exceeding those of the general public. Psychedelic therapy seems promising in addressing mental health challenges among athletes, particularly those stemming from common issues like reluctance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tension and conflict.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly key for athletes. The brain controls several bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional management, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Those struggling with diminished mental capability could experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there’s growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could have in boosting this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, a concoction from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field contend that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation becomes intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly in addressing depression, with certain notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain HTML: Carhart-Harris emphasized the insufficiency of comprehensive data on the usage of psychedelics and the treatment of brain injuries. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics might promote enhancement of neuronal growth, though the direct advantages in the context of brain damage recovery haven’t been explored extensively.
As researchers investigate the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury therapies, they persistently underline the need for careful usage. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics might induce psychological disturbances in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction Between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific type consumed. Consider magic mushrooms for instance. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in the senses. These alterations can involve visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects are not directly attributed to psilocybin; instead, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the 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, explains that these cells function as the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the central processing hub. Activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which impacts cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury treatment, numerous theories propose the potential benefits of psychedelics. Classic psychedelics affect serotonin receptors, known for their role in inflammation regulation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could potentially enhance blood flow to injured regions and foster tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proved effective in reducing brain damage caused by blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and trustworthy avenue for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
On exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll encounter a broad variety of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and advantages, providing users with the ability to select the option that aligns best with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who relish the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who want to mask unpleasant tastes and evade nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those looking to integrate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms can potentially assist athletes struggling with psychological impacts of traumatic injuries and job-related stresses. They offer varied techniques for managing symptoms, especially when combined with therapeutic practices. This approach yields encouraging and sustained outcomes, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
Although the medical community has not officially endorsed psychedelics as a treatment option, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe utilization.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and choices. CNN interviews disclose a spectrum of usage patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low-dose usage of psychedelics has a real potential to augment mindfulness abilities. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom outlet?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide various mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and others. For magic mushrooms, consider approaching a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be mindful to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers claiming to offer genuine psychedelics falsely.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic usage?
In clinical research, therapeutic sessions are often coupled with psychedelic intake. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach can foster a deeper comprehension of the insights gleaned from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
The potential of psychedelics as a pain management solution is not yet fully studied. However, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested the possible benefits of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted research into the use of psychedelics for managing chronic pain. Preliminary findings indicate that these substances may help relieve various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The research team suggests that psychedelics could be effective supplements in managing chronic pain and related disorders like PTSD and severe depression.
Research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain, however, is limited.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or regularly taking small amounts of psychedelics, presents an interesting aspect of their use. This method has found favor amongst athletes for its ability to reduce adverse effects while retaining therapeutic benefits. Implementing this practice could lead to enduring benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is key for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes Resorting to Psychedelics After Life-Altering Injuries: A CNN Report
Reported by:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
