In the wake of serious injuries, a growing number of athletes are investigating non-traditional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional approaches, psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, are becoming increasingly popular. Athletes looking for relief and rehabilitation are turning to these substances. This shift signifies a change in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative treatments as athletes seek innovative ways to address their physical and mental challenges.
Many athletes admit to consuming magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting they likely acquired them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The usage of these fungi has notably affected their mental health and other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes encounter mental health problems at rates similar to or sometimes surpassing those of the general public.
- Psychedelics could foster neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic possibilities for individuals recuperating from severe brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively affect mental health, aiding athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
Amy Woodyatt’s piece on the CNN website, supplemented by George Ramsay, delves into athletes’ use of psychedelics for handling serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former ice hockey player from Canada, shared a particularly poignant account. His struggles encompassed seven diagnosed concussions resulting in symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and constant headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo turned to medical literature and found a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
In an interview with CNN, he discussed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger quantities. Furthermore, he
He prioritizes his health by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, sugar and alcohol moderation, and sunlight exposure in maintaining his energy levels.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have explored substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall well-being, especially in regards to mental health concerns.
According to research conducted by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health struggles among athletes, particularly those stemming from common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tension and conflicts.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is critical, especially for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions such as regulating organs, processing thoughts, managing emotions, storing memories, enabling speech, and coordinating movements. Individuals experiencing diminished mental functionality may witness a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is essential in sports, and there’s a growing interest in the potential role psychedelics could play in boosting this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He stated that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a concoction derived from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, positively affected his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field assert 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 situation becomes intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly for depression treatment, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris underscored the absence of comprehensive data on the use of psychedelics. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential for neuron growth, limited research has explored the potential advantages of psychedelics following a brain injury.
As the potential of psychedelics for mental health and brain injury treatment is explored, it’s crucial to also stress the need for cautious use. Due to their potent impact, psychedelics might provoke psychological disturbances if used by individuals in a psychologically unstable state.
Comprehending the Interaction of Psychedelics and the Brain to Understand Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms, for instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce alterations in sensory perceptions. These may include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps or alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
The effects mentioned above are not directly produced by psilocybin. Instead, upon ingestion, it metabolizes into psilocin, which is the compound that causes these 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 who has been researching psychedelics since the 1960s, affirms that these cells function as the primary computational units in the brain, serving as the central hub for all processing. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin causes changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thus affecting cognitive function and perception.
Regarding brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics may be beneficial. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to control inflammation, and also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to injured regions and facilitate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating brain damage caused by artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering products through trusted carriers like Canada Post.
When you navigate through an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will discover a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its unique characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT TYPE | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who love mushroom flavor and seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who desire to mask any undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those keen on incorporating shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms demonstrate potential in supporting mental health among athletes facing traumatic injuries and work-related stress. They offer diverse strategies for symptom control, particularly when combined with therapy. This tactic yields encouraging and enduring results, as demonstrated by numerous research studies.
Although psychedelics are not yet formally endorsed as a treatment method by the medical profession, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding for safe utilization.
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 a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall wellness.
Carhart-Harris proposes that low doses of psychedelics have genuine potential to heighten mindfulness skills. This can nurture profound concentration, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide a variety of mushrooms, including Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid illicit magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, therapy sessions are often paired with psychedelic use. Research suggests that this combined approach can facilitate a deeper understanding of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related stress?
Can psychedelics help manage pain?
While the application of psychedelics in pain management is not extensively examined, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has hinted at the potential benefits of cannabis in this domain.
F. Z. Zia and his team at the National Institutes of Health have conducted studies on the potential use of psychedelics for chronic pain treatment. Their research indicates that psychedelics could help to alleviate a variety of pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics may serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and accompanying conditions like PTSD and major depression.
The number of studies on acute pain in relation to psychedelics is still limited.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, which involves regularly consuming small doses, is a distinctive aspect of psychedelic use. It has become popular among athletes as it minimizes adverse effects while retaining therapeutic benefits. This practice can lead to lasting benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Main Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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