As a result of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to non-traditional methods of recovery and healing.
Among these unconventional approaches, the use of psychedelics like magic mushrooms is on the rise among athletes in search of relief and rehabilitation. This tendency reflects a shift in how the sports community views alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using these mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has notably affected their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes grapple with mental health challenges at rates that are similar to, or sometimes even exceed, those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may contribute to neuron growth, offering potential therapeutic benefits for those recovering from severe brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high levels of stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Featured in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, explores how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with severe sports-related injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly resonant story. He suffered from seven diagnosed concussions, which led to symptoms resembling dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These problems became so pervasive that even straightforward family activities became difficult.
Carillo started 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 significant dose in a more casual setting.
In an interview with CNN, he discussed his regular routine of microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Additionally, he regular monitoring of his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to the use of psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and regular exposure to sunlight for maintaining his vigor.
Why Athletes Are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics in order to navigate life’s challenges. A plethora of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, particularly in terms of mental health.
According to a study conducted by Courtney Walton, a research fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are comparable to, or even exceed, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in addressing mental health issues among athletes, especially those that stem from common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity struggles during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tension and discord.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain is responsible for myriad bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals experiencing diminished mental functionality may witness a decline in their performance and focus.
In sports, concentration is key, and there’s growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics can play in improving this focus. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that the consumption of a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychotropic properties, positively impacted his performance in football matches.
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, conveyed to CNN Sport that the argument becomes persuasive when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, particularly in the treatment of depression, with a few noteworthy exceptions.
Regarding the use of psychedelics for brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive data on the use of psychedelics in treating brain injuries. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may encourage
While there is a growing body of research indicating that psychedelics may promote neuron growth, there are few direct investigations into their potential benefits following brain injuries.
Despite the possible benefits that psychedelics may offer in mental health and brain injury treatments, professionals emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially cause psychological disruptions if used by individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific substance consumed. Consider magic mushrooms, for instance. Health Canada describes these as mushrooms that contain mind-altering compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in sensory perception. These alterations might include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle cramps and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocybin isn’t directly responsible for these effects; instead, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion. This compound activates the serotonin 5-HT2a receptors on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has been studying psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the central processing hub. Activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, there are several theories suggesting how psychedelics might be beneficial. Classical psychedelics act on serotonin receptors, known to play a role in regulating inflammation, and can also suppress the activity of cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function could improve blood circulation to injured areas and foster tissue repair following an injury. In animal studies, DMT has shown effectiveness in reducing brain damage caused by artery blockage.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: Facilitating Healing through Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and reliable platform for those interested in acquiring genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering items through trusted carriers such as Canada Post.
In an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll come across a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products, each with its own unique properties and advantages. This variety highlights the benefits and allows customers to select an option that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor mushroom flavor and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | People seeking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those looking to include shrooms in their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms could potentially help athletes manage mental health issues resulting from traumatic injuries and professional stress. When paired with therapy, these substances can offer various symptom management strategies. This approach yields encouraging and sustainable outcomes, as evidenced by multiple studies.
Although psychedelics are not officially approved as a treatment by the medical world, experts caution that magic mushrooms should be consumed with a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The quantity of psychedelics ingested varies based on personal needs and choices. CNN interviews highlight different consumption patterns: some opt for rare high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics hold potential to sharpen mindfulness abilities, fostering deep concentration and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets typically sell a variety of mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider checking out a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with psychedelic use. Research shows that this integrated approach can foster a deeper understanding. Helping individuals interpret insights from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related
Psychedelic use as a form of pain management is an area that has not been fully investigated. However, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has suggested that cannabis may offer certain benefits in this regard.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and their team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible applications of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their findings hint at the potential of psychedelics in easing different forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as “effective supplements” in managing chronic pain and related conditions like PTSD and major depression.
The research on the use of psychedelics in treating acute pain is sparse.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, the consistent intake of minimal doses, is a distinctive practice of psychedelic use that’s becoming increasingly popular among athletes. This method minimizes adverse effects while preserving therapeutic advantages. Embracing this practice can lead to sustainable benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is integral for effective decision-making, especially under stressful situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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