As life-altering injuries become more common, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional recovery and healing methods.
Within these alternative approaches, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly popular among athletes seeking rejuvenation and relief. This shift signifies a changing attitude within the sports community towards non-traditional therapies, as athletes look for novel solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, implying that they likely acquired them from a magic mushroom dispensary. Their consumption of magic mushrooms has played a substantial role in managing their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- The prevalence of mental health issues among athletes often matches or even exceeds that of the general public.
- Psychedelics may facilitate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to have a positive effect on mental health, assisting athletes coping with the stress of injuries or high-pressure situations.
Athletes’ Encounters as Documented in a CNN Report
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring additional reporting by George Ramsay, examines how athletes are using psychedelics to cope with serious sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a retired Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly compelling account. He contended with seven diagnosed concussions, leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even mundane family outings turned into daunting tasks.
Carillo began researching medical literature and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Instead of enrolling in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a significant dose in a less formal environment.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin whilst occasionally using larger doses. Furthermore, he continual monitoring of his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of consistent physical exercise, sufficient sleep, controlled consumption of sugar and alcohol, and exposure to sunlight for maintaining his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has employed psychedelics to help navigate life’s challenges. A significant number of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to improve their overall well-being, especially when it comes 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 experience mental health issues at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy has shown potential in addressing mental health problems among athletes, especially those stemming from common issues such as resistance to therapy, identity crisis during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal tensions and conflicts.
The role of psychedelics in mental health treatment is crucial, particularly for athletes. The brain controls several bodily functions including organ regulation, thought process, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech capability, and movement coordination. Those with diminished mental functionality might experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is essential in sports, and there is a growing curiosity in how psychedelics could potentially enhance this aspect. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He shared that consuming a brew made from ayahuasca, an Amazonian plant mix with psychoactive properties, positively impacted his performance in football matches.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the field suggest that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, conveyed to CNN Sport that the situation is intriguing when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, specifically for treating depression, with some notable exceptions.
In terms of brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the deficiency of extensive data on the use of psychedelics and their effects on brain injury treatments. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
Despite the evident potential of neuron growth, only a handful of studies have delved into the potential advantages in the context of post-brain injury scenarios.
As experts investigate the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, they simultaneously stress the need for careful handling. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially incite psychological disturbances if used by individuals with a prone psychological state.
Decoding the Interaction of Psychedelics and the Brain
Psychedelics’ impact can vary depending on the specific variety consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. These alterations may include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in touch perception, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle contractions and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Interestingly, these effects aren’t directly attributable to psilocybin. Instead, upon consumption, it transforms into psilocin, which is the compound responsible for eliciting these effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor from Purdue University School of Pharmacy, who has been studying psychedelics since the 1960s, suggests that these cells serve as the primary processing centers of the brain. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to shifts in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognitive function and perception.
In relation to brain injury treatment, several theories propose how psychedelics could be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to control inflammation, and can also inhibit cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured regions and facilitate tissue repair post-injury. Animal studies have shown that DMT effectively reduces brain damage resulting from blocked arteries.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Shroom-Induced Healing
Magic mushroom dispensaries act as a secure and dependable source for those in need of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe transactions by delivering items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
While exploring an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a diverse selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product offers unique characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | SUITABLE FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and desire fast, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals searching for a method to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to integrate shrooms into their wellness routine via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics such as mushrooms have demonstrated potential in helping athletes to cope with traumatic injuries and professional stresses. They offer various techniques for managing symptoms, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. This combined approach has produced promising and enduring outcomes as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although the medical community has not officially accepted psychedelics as a treatment method, experts advise that a comprehensive understanding is needed for safe consumption of magic mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and choices. As per CNN interviews, some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there’s significant potential for using low doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness capabilities. This can foster profound focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms at a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets predominantly provide various mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you might want to check out a magic mushroom dispensary or a psychedelic dispensary. Be wary to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or sellers making false claims about authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with the use of psychedelics?
In clinical research, the use of psychedelics is often combined with therapy sessions. Studies suggest that this tandem approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension and exploration of high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby augmenting the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Is there potential for psychedelics to alleviate pain?
While the use of psychedelics in pain management is not extensively studied, Anna Symonds, a retired US rugby player, has hinted at the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health has examined the possible use of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. The study indicates that psychedelics might help alleviate various types of pain, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. The researchers propose that psychedelics may serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, research into the effectiveness of psychedelics in treating acute pain is limited.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their training regimes?
Microdosing, or the consistent ingestion of small doses, is an interesting facet of psychedelic usage. It has become popular among athletes due to its ability to reduce adverse effects while retaining therapeutic benefits. The implementation of this approach can lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly under stress.
Main Reference:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A Report From CNN
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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