In the wake of significant injuries, a growing number of athletes are turning towards unconventional practices for healing and recovery.
Amongst these alternatives, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is becoming increasingly popular with athletes seeking relief and rehabilitation. This emerging trend reflects a paradigm shift in the sports community’s attitude towards alternative therapies, as athletes search for innovative solutions to their physical and psychological challenges.
Many athletes admit to taking magic mushrooms outside of a clinical setting, suggesting that they likely source them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their magic mushroom use has profoundly affected their mental health and other hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes confront mental health problems at rates similar to or sometimes greater than those of the general public.
- Psychedelics could facilitate neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for individuals recovering 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 extreme stress.
Athletes’ Experiences as Highlighted in a CNN Article
On the CNN website, an article by Amy Woodyatt, with contributions from George Ramsay, delves into the use of psychedelics by athletes to cope with severe sports injuries.
Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, shared a particularly compelling story. He encountered numerous issues, including seven diagnosed concussions leading to dementia-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and chronic headaches. These problems were so debilitating that even simple family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo started exploring medical literature and found a psilocybin study conducted by the Imperial College of London. Rather than participating in a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more recreational setting.
During an interview with CNN, he divulged his regimen of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional intake of larger quantities. Furthermore, he regularly undergoes brain scans and blood tests to maintain his health.
In addition to psilocybin use, he emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, limited sugar and alcohol consumption, and sun exposure for maintaining his energy levels.
Why Athletes are Drawn to Psychedelics
Carillo is not the only athlete who has sought the assistance of psychedelics to manage life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have experimented with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD in an attempt to improve their overall well-being, especially in relation to mental health concerns.
According to research carried out by Courtney Walton, a psychology academic fellow at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes experience mental health problems at rates similar to or even exceeding those of the general public. Psychedelic therapy seems to hold potential for addressing athletes’ mental health issues, especially those tied to common obstacles such as therapy resistance, identity crises during career transitions and injuries, and managing interpersonal conflicts and disagreements.
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is particularly crucial for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory retention, speech, and movement coordination. Those suffering from diminished mental functionality may experience a decline in their performance and focus.
Focus is essential in sports, and there’s growing interest in the potential role of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration. In a CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly discussed his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew containing ayahuasca, a compound made from Amazonian plants with psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Researchers in the field assert that psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating certain mental health conditions.
Robin Carhart-Harris, a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, told CNN Sport that the case becomes persuasive when viewed from the standpoint of psychological therapy, particularly in treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
In terms of treating brain injuries, Carhart-Harris pointed out the current lack of extensive research in the field of psychedelic usage. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics may enhance of neuron growth, but a limited number of studies have directly investigated their potential advantages following a brain injury.
While experts delve into the possible uses of psychedelics in mental health and brain injury treatments, they also emphasize the need for caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially instigate psychological complications in those who are psychologically susceptible.
A Look at How Psychedelics Interact with the Brain to Elicit Their Effects
The impact of psychedelics can vary depending on the specific substance consumed. For instance, let’s consider magic mushrooms. As per Health Canada, these are mushrooms that carry hallucinogenic substances such as psilocybin and psilocin, which can lead to alterations in sensory perception. Such modifications could include visual or auditory hallucinations, tactile feelings, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms like muscle contractions and variations in heart rate or blood pressure.
These effects are not caused directly by psilocybin; instead, it is transformed into psilocin upon ingestion, the compound that triggers the 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 researched psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells are the primary computational units of the brain, serving as the core centre where all processing takes place. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in alterations in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, influencing cognition and perception.
In terms of brain injury treatments, several theories propose how psychedelics could prove advantageous. Classic psychedelics operate on serotonin receptors, known to aid in regulating inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual function could amplify blood circulation to injured regions and foster tissue recovery post-injury. In animal research, DMT has shown effectiveness in diminishing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Route to Healing with Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those in search of genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries assure safe purchases by dispatching items through reliable carriers like Canada Post.
On browsing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a broad spectrum of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own distinctive qualities and advantages, allowing users to select an option that aligns best with their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, swift experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Those seeking a method to mask undesirable tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to integrate shrooms into their health regimen via microdosing |
Summary
Psychedelics like mushrooms have the potential to assist athletes in managing mental health issues related to traumatic injuries and job-related stress. They offer various ways to manage symptoms, especially when used in conjunction with therapy. This approach has demonstrated promising, enduring outcomes in numerous studies.
Despite psychedelics not being officially recognized as a treatment by the medical profession, experts caution that the consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates a thorough understanding for safe usage.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low quantities?
The consumption of psychedelics varies depending on individual requirements and preferences. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for infrequent high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or boost overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there’s significant potential in using small doses of psychedelics to boost mindfulness abilities. This could foster intense focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Is it possible to buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets primarily provide a variety of mushrooms, like Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and more. For magic mushrooms, consider going to a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to avoid unlawful magic mushroom outlets or sellers falsely advertising authentic psychedelics.
Should I include talk therapy when using psychedelics?
In clinical studies, researchers combine therapy sessions with the intake of psychedelics. Research suggests that this mixed approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of one’s self. Guiding individuals in interpreting the insights from high-dose mushroom experiences augments the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a part in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used for pain management?
While the utilization of psychedelics for pain management remains under-researched, former US rugby player, Anna Symonds, has suggested potential advantages of cannabis in this field.
F. Z. Zia and her team at the National Institutes of Health have delved into the possible use of psychedelics in treating chronic pain. Their research indicates that psychedelics might help relieve various forms of pain, including headaches, cancer-related discomfort, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics can serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
However, there is a scarcity of studies on the use of psychedelics for acute pain.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their regimens?
Microdosing, which involves the regular intake of small amounts, is a distinctive method of psychedelic use. Athletes find it appealing due to its potential to reduce adverse effects while retaining therapeutic benefits. This practice can lead to sustainable results, such as enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is critical for effective decision-making, particularly under stressful situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Changing Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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