In the wake of life-altering injuries, a rising number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, have become increasingly popular among these alternative solutions, particularly among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This development signifies a change in the sports world’s attitude towards alternative treatments as athletes look for new ways to cope with their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely procured them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their usage has had a substantial effect on their mental wellbeing and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to or even surpassing those of the general population.
- Psychedelics could potentially contribute to neuron growth, presenting possible therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes grappling with the fallout of injuries or extreme stress.
Athlete Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Report
A CNN feature by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into athletes’ use of psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, an ex-Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly poignant story. He struggled with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so overwhelming that even straightforward family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo took the initiative to explore medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a significant dose in a more relaxed setting.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin with sporadic usage of larger quantities. Furthermore, he the maintenance of health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, a balanced intake of sugar and alcohol, and regular exposure to sunlight in maintaining his energy levels.
The Allure of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo is just one of many athletes who have turned to psychedelics as a means to cope with life’s challenges. A large number of professional athletes have tried substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, aiming to enhance their overall wellness, especially in the realm of mental health.
Courtney Walton, a research fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, has found that elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates similar to or even exceeding those of the general public. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise for addressing mental health challenges among athletes, especially those stemming from common issues such as resistance to therapy, identity struggles during career transitions and injuries, and the management of interpersonal tensions and disputes.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain governs numerous bodily functions like regulating organs, processing thoughts, controlling emotions, retaining memory, enabling speech, and coordinating movements. Those experiencing diminished mental functionality may witness a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there’s a growing interest in how psychedelics may aid in enhancing this aspect. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experience with psychedelics. He shared that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his performance in football games.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated success in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes quite compelling when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, particularly for treating depression, with only a few significant exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive research regarding the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
While the potential benefits of neurogenesis induced by psychedelics have been explored sparsely, their usefulness in the aftermath of a brain injury is not widely studied.
Experts analyzing the potential roles of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments emphasize the need for prudence. Considering their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disorders when used by those in a state of psychological vulnerability.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain to Understand Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary based on the specific kind consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory modifications. These alterations can include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile experiences, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Psilocybin does not directly cause these effects; rather, once consumed, it is transformed into psilocin, the compound that is accountable for these effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors present on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has extensively studied psychedelics since the 1960s, mentions that these cells serve as the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the main hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
In relation to brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics may be advantageous. Traditional psychedelics work on serotonin receptors, known for their role in controlling inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured areas and encourage tissue regeneration following injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in reducing brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
When you explore an online magic mushroom dispensary, you’ll discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product carries its own distinct characteristics and advantages, allowing users to select an option that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor mushroom flavors and seek quick, potent experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those desiring to mask disagreeable tastes and prevent nausea during extensive trips |
| Capsules | Individuals aiming to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms hold promise in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer various approaches to managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This combination has demonstrated promising and long-lasting outcomes in multiple studies.
Despite the lack of formal acceptance of psychedelics as a treatment option by the medical community, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms demands a comprehensive knowledge for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The frequency and amount of psychedelic consumption vary according to individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a diversity of consumption patterns: some prefer occasional high doses, while others opt for low doses to enhance focus or overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have tangible potential in bolstering mindfulness abilities. This could foster acute focus, 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, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider approaching a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors falsely promoting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this integrated approach could foster a more profound comprehension of individual experiences during high-dose mushroom use, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
The potential of psychedelics in pain management is still undergoing exploration. Nevertheless, Anna Symonds, a previous US rugby player, has suggested possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
Researchers like F. Z. Zia and his team from the National Institutes of Health are delving into the possible application of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics might help alleviate different kinds of pain – headaches, pain related to cancer, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics can serve as “efficient aids” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, research on acute pain related to psychedelics is still in its infancy.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing – the habitual intake of small amounts, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic usage. It’s becoming increasingly popular among athletes due to its capacity to reduce negative impacts while preserving therapeutic advantages. Implementing this method can lead to enduring benefits, such as enhanced cognitive adaptability, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-stress situations.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Writers:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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