As life-altering injuries become more prevalent, an increasing number of athletes are turning to unconventional methods of healing and recovery.
Among these, psychedelics like magic mushrooms are garnering attention from athletes seeking alternative therapies for their physical and mental health issues. This trend marks a shift in the sports community’s mindset, as they explore new solutions to their problems.
Many athletes admit to using shrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The intake of magic mushrooms has significantly impacted their mental wellbeing and the challenges they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health challenges at rates either similar to or higher than the general population.
- Psychedelics could potentially stimulate neuron growth, providing therapeutic benefits to individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, assisting athletes coping with the aftermath of injuries or extreme stress.
Athletes’ Testimonies as Documented in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, with contributions from George Ramsay, explores the use of psychedelics by athletes dealing with severe sports injuries.
The article includes a powerful account from Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player. Carillo faced several challenges, including seven diagnosed concussions, symptoms similar to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and persistent headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family activities became daunting.
Carillo found a study on psilocybin by the Imperial College of London while researching medical literature. Instead of joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
Carillo revealed to CNN his regular practice of microdosing psilocybin along with occasional use of larger doses. Additionally, he regularly monitors his health through routine brain scans and blood tests.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sunlight exposure to maintain his energy levels.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has sought out psychedelics as a tool to navigate life’s challenges. A large number of professional athletes have experimented with substances from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to enhance their overall wellness, especially in relation to mental health.
According to a study by Courtney Walton, a research fellow in psychology at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are comparable to, or even exceed, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy shows potential in addressing mental health problems among athletes, especially those stemming from common obstacles such as resistance to therapy, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with interpersonal tension and conflicts.
The use of psychedelics for mental health treatment is particularly essential for athletes. The brain controls various bodily functions like organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech facilitation, and movement coordination. Individuals with diminished mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Concentration is critical in sports, and there’s a growing interest in how psychedelics might help improve this focus. 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 effects, had a positive impact on his performance in football games.
Expert Opinions
Experts in the field argue that psychedelics have proven to be 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 case becomes compelling when viewed through the lens of psychological therapy, particularly for treating depression, with certain exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the lack of extensive research on the use of psychedelics. However, some evidence suggests that psychedelics can promote
Though psychedelics have been linked to neuron growth, only a few investigations have directly probed their potential advantages following a brain injury.
As the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatment are being explored, experts emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially induce psychological complications if used by individuals in a psychologically fragile state.
Deciphering How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific kind consumed. Let’s use magic mushrooms as an example. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms that possess hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to sensory modifications. These modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile sensations, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle cramps and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not directly triggered by psilocybin; rather, psilocin, the metabolized product of psilocybin consumption, is the compound responsible for the effects. Psilocin activates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors situated 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 function as the main computational units of the brain, serving as the central hub for all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin leads to alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, thereby impacting cognitive function and perception.
In terms of brain injury therapy, several theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, which are known to control inflammation, and can also restrain cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood circulation to injured regions and stimulate tissue repair post-injury. In animal studies, DMT has proven effective in diminishing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: An Avenue for Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable platform for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries guarantee safe transactions by delivering items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
Through an online magic mushroom dispensary, you can access a broad array of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product comes with its distinct characteristics and advantages, enabling users to select an option that best aligns with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who enjoy the unique flavor of mushrooms and prefer quick, intense experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals who desire a method to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended journeys |
| Capsules | Individuals seeking to include shrooms in their health routine via microdosing |
Final Thoughts
Psychedelics like mushrooms have the potential to assist athletes suffering from traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They provide various strategies for symptom control, particularly when paired with therapy. This approach has shown promise in delivering lasting results, as evidenced by numerous studies.
Although psychedelics are not officially recognized as a treatment method by the medical profession, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms requires a comprehensive understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The amount of psychedelics ingested varies based on personal needs and preferences. From CNN interviews, we learn that some athletes opt for high doses infrequently, while others prefer small doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris suggests that low doses of psychedelics could significantly enhance mindfulness abilities, fostering intense focus and facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom stores primarily stock a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, you may want to consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Be aware of unlawful magic mushroom dispensaries or vendors who falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical studies, researchers often combine therapy sessions with psychedelic use. Evidence suggests that this integrated approach can yield a deeper understanding and better navigation of the insights gained from high-dose mushroom experiences, enhancing the psychedelic experience overall.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing trauma-related Can psychedelics help with pain management?
While studies on the use of psychedelics for managing pain are not comprehensive, there have been suggestions of their potential benefits. For instance, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has indicated the possible advantages of cannabis in pain relief.
Researchers F. Z. Zia and team from the National Institutes of Health have delved into the prospective use of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Findings indicate that psychedelics could alleviate diverse types of pain including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. These substances may serve as “effective adjuncts” in controlling chronic pain and associated conditions like PTSD and major depression.
However, research on the use of psychedelics for acute pain is relatively scarce.
How could athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, the practice of consuming modest doses regularly, is a distinctive method of psychedelic use. It has become increasingly popular among athletes due to its capacity to mitigate adverse effects while retaining therapeutic advantages. Implementing this method could lead to enduring benefits such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Reference:
CNN Report: Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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