In the wake of severe injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of recovery and healing.
Psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, have become a popular alternative among athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This trend signifies a change in the sports community’s outlook on alternative therapies, as athletes explore new ways to address their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting that their source is likely a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom use has had a significant effect on their mental health and various other challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes are confronted with mental health issues at rates similar to or sometimes higher than the general public.
- Psychedelics, through their potential to stimulate neuron growth, may offer therapeutic benefits to those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, helping athletes cope with the emotional trauma of injuries or extreme stress.
Athlete Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
George Ramsay and Amy Woodyatt’s article on CNN explores the use of psychedelics by athletes to manage serious sports-related injuries.
A poignant story shared by Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, includes his battle with seven diagnosed concussions that led to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and chronic headaches. These issues became so troublesome that even ordinary family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo, upon investigating medical literature, found a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than participating in a clinical trial, Carillo opted to take a larger dose in a less formal setting.
In a discussion with CNN, he revealed his practice of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional use of larger doses. Additionally, he
He keeps his health in check by regularly undergoing brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to using psilocybin, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and exposure to sunlight for maintaining his vitality.
Why Athletes are Attracted to Psychedelics
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has turned to psychedelics for help in dealing with life’s challenges. A host of professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, especially in relation to mental health issues.
According to research 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 shows potential in addressing mental health problems among athletes, especially those stemming from common obstacles like resistance to therapy, identity struggles during career transitions and injuries, and handling interpersonal tension and conflict.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly important for athletes. The brain governs various bodily functions such as organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with impaired mental function may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and there is growing interest in the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this attention. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a concoction made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the situation is compelling when viewed from the angle of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of brain treatment, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of comprehensive data on the use of psychedelics for brain injury treatment. Some evidence suggests that psychedelics may promote
While there are some studies that suggest psychedelics can promote neuron growth, few have investigated their potential benefits in the context of brain injury recovery.
Even as the potential applications of psychedelics are being explored for mental health treatments and therapies for brain injuries, it is crucial to exercise discretion. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disturbances in individuals who are psychologically susceptible.
Comprehending the Interactions between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics can vary based on the specific type consumed. For instance, consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, leading to alterations in sensory perception. These changes could involve visual or auditory hallucinations, physical sensations, emotional shifts, or physical symptoms such as muscle spasms, and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Notably, these effects are not a direct result of psilocybin; rather, it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that induces these effects. Psilocin triggers the 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, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, functioning as the core where all processing takes place. The stimulation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby influencing cognitive function and perception.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, several theories propose that psychedelics might be advantageous. Traditional psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to regulate inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This combined effect could enhance blood flow to injured regions and encourage tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has been successful in decreasing brain damage resulting from artery obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for individuals seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering products through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
When you explore an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will come across a broad selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinct characteristics and advantages. This diversity allows users to select an option that best aligns with their preferences and needs.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Those who savor the flavor of mushrooms and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those who want to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Those looking to include shrooms in their health regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms have potential in assisting athletes with mental health issues arising from traumatic injuries and career-related stresses. They provide various strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when paired with therapy. This approach has shown encouraging and sustainable outcomes in numerous studies.
Although the medical community has yet to formally acknowledge psychedelics as a treatment method, experts caution that consuming magic mushrooms necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes take psychedelics in high or low doses?
Psychedelic consumption varies according to individual needs and preferences. CNN interviews depict a spectrum of 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 hold significant potential in bolstering mindfulness skills. This can foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I obtain magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom dispensary?
Medicinal mushroom outlets predominantly supply a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to evade illegal magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors misrepresenting authentic psychedelics.
Should I pair talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical tests, the use of psychedelics is often coupled with therapy sessions. Research suggests that this integrated approach can foster a deeper understanding of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, thereby enriching the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics aid in managing pain?
The potential of psychedelics as a tool for pain relief is yet to be fully researched. Nonetheless, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, suggests the possible advantages of using cannabis for pain management.
A team led by F. Z. Zia from the National Institutes of Health has delved into the prospective use of psychedelics to address chronic pain. Their findings indicate psychedelics might aid in reducing different forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb syndrome, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in the treatment of chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, research involving psychedelics for acute pain is still sparse.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimen?
Microdosing, a practice involving regular intake of small psychedelic doses, is a unique aspect of psychedelic use. It has gained traction among athletes due to its potential to mitigate adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. This method can lead to sustainable results, including enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Main Reference:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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