As a result of life-altering injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to non-traditional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these unconventional alternatives, mind-altering substances such as magic mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, with athletes searching for novel approaches to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting their source is likely a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom consumption has had a profound effect on their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes grapple with mental health problems at rates similar to or sometimes even higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics could stimulate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The primary advantage of psychedelics is their potential to enhance mental health positively, thus assisting athletes dealing with the aftermath of an injury or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
The CNN website features an article by Amy Woodyatt, with George Ramsay contributing, that explores athletes’ use of psychedelics to manage severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a retired Canadian ice hockey player, recounted a particularly striking story. His challenges included seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and persistent headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family outings turned into arduous tasks.
Carillo started researching medical literature and stumbled upon a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
During a discussion with CNN, he revealed his regimen of regularly microdosing psilocybin and occasional use of larger doses. Furthermore, he a healthy lifestyle by regularly getting brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, balanced sugar and alcohol consumption, and adequate sunlight exposure to maintain his vigorous health.
The Attraction of Psychedelics to Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who’s turned to psychedelics for help in navigating life’s challenges. A large number of professional athletes have experimented with substances, ranging from ayahuasca to LSD, in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, particularly in addressing mental health concerns.
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 populace. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold promise in treating mental health struggles among athletes, especially those arising from typical obstacles such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and the management of personal tension and conflicts.
The application of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly vital for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions, including organ regulation, thought processes, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with compromised mental functionality might experience a drop in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is a growing curiosity about the potential role psychedelics could play in improving this concentration. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a concoction made from ayahuasca, a substance derived from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Field experts assert that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating some mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes quite convincing when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, especially in treating depression, with a few significant exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injury, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of detailed information on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the potential benefits of psychedelics in promoting neuron growth, only a handful of studies have directly investigated their prospective advantages following a brain injury.
As experts delve into the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, they emphasize the need for prudence. Given their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially spark psychological disturbances if used by individuals in a psychologically fragile state.
Comprehending the Mechanism of Psychedelics in the Brain
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific type consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. Health Canada states that these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to sensory modifications. These alterations can range from visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, to physical symptoms such as muscle cramps or alterations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are indirectly caused by psilocybin; instead, it is transformed into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound accountable for 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 with decades of experience in studying psychedelics, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the central processing hub. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in the brain’s metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
In the context of brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known for their role in controlling inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function could enhance blood flow to damaged regions and foster tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in decreasing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries offer a secure and dependable source for those interested in authentic magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by utilizing trusted carriers like Canada Post for shipping.
An online magic mushroom dispensary offers a broad array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product has distinct attributes and advantages, providing users with an opportunity to select an option that best suits their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Enthusiasts who relish mushroom flavors and prefer quick, intense effects |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Users seeking to mask undesired tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals desiring to integrate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms can potentially aid athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various tactics for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This method yields hopeful and enduring outcomes, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
While psychedelics haven’t received formal approval as a treatment option from the medical world, experts caution that knowledge and understanding are essential for the safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes use psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic usage varies according to individual requirements and inclinations. CNN interviews disclose diverse usage patterns: some opt for sporadic high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or promote overall wellbeing.
Carhart-Harris posits that low doses of psychedelics can potentially amplify mindfulness abilities, fostering intense focus and facilitating a state of flow.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily trade in various mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Turkey Tail, among others. For magic mushrooms, consider patronizing a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid illegal magic mushroom outlets or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical research, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this dual approach can foster a more profound understanding of the insights derived from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enhancing the psychedelic journey.
Do psychedelics have a role in managing injury-related pain?
While the application of psychedelics in pain relief remains largely uncharted, former US rugby player Anna Symonds has touched upon the potential merits of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and a team from the National Institutes of Health sheds light on the potential of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. The study indicates that psychedelics could mitigate various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics might serve as efficient supplementary treatments for chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and severe depression.
However, research on the effects of psychedelics on acute pain is somewhat sparse.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimens?
Microdosing, or the routine intake of small quantities, is a distinctive method of psychedelic usage. Its rising popularity among athletes can be attributed to its potential to minimize adverse effects while preserving the therapeutic advantages. Implementing this regimen can result in long-term benefits, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turning To Psychedelics
Reporters:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
Suggested Further Reading:
