An increasing number of athletes with life-altering injuries are turning to unconventional healing and recovery strategies.
Among these non-traditional approaches, the use of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, is on the rise. This trend reflects a changing viewpoint within the sports community towards alternative therapies. Athletes are seeking innovative solutions to tackle their physical and psychological challenges.
Most athletes admit to using magic mushrooms outside a clinical setting, suggesting they probably sourced them from a magic mushroom dispensary. The impact of their usage has had a significant effect on their mental health and the various hurdles they face.
[toc]Key Takeaways:
- Athletes experience mental health issues at rates that are similar to, or in some cases, exceed those of the general population.
- Psychedelics may promote neuron growth, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for those recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
- The main advantage of psychedelics is their potential to positively influence mental health, aiding athletes who are dealing with the repercussions of injuries or high stress.
Athletes’ Experiences Highlighted in a CNN Article
An article by Amy Woodyatt on the CNN website, featuring contributions from George Ramsay, explores the use of psychedelics by athletes to address serious sports injuries.
The story of Daniel Carillo, a former Canadian ice hockey player, is notably moving. His difficulties involved seven diagnosed concussions leading to symptoms akin to dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and chronic headaches. These problems became so severe that even basic family activities became daunting tasks.
Carillo turned to medical research and came across a psilocybin study by the Imperial College of London. Rather than joining a clinical trial, Carillo decided to take a substantial dose in a more casual setting.
Speaking to CNN, he revealed his routine of regularly microdosing psilocybin with occasional intake of larger quantities. Additionally, he actively maintains his health through regular brain scans and blood tests.
He also emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, sufficient sleep, moderation in sugar and alcohol consumption, and sufficient sunlight exposure as crucial factors in maintaining his vigor.
The Appeal of Psychedelics for Athletes
Carillo isn’t the only athlete who has resorted to psychedelics for help in overcoming life’s challenges. Numerous professional athletes have dabbled with substances ranging from ayahuasca to LSD to enhance their overall wellness, especially concerning mental health.
According to a study led by Courtney Walton, an academic fellow in psychology at Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, elite athletes face mental health challenges at rates comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the general population. Psychedelic therapy holds potential for managing mental health issues among athletes, especially those stemming from common obstacles like therapy resistance, identity conflicts during career transitions and injuries, and dealing with interpersonal tension and conflict.
The role of psychedelics in mental health care is crucial, particularly for athletes. The brain controls numerous bodily functions including organ regulation, thought processing, emotional regulation, memory storage, speech, and movement coordination. Those suffering from diminished mental functionality may experience a decrease in their performance and focus.
Focus is crucial in sports, and the potential benefits of psychedelics in enhancing this concentration is garnering increased interest. In the same CNN report, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers openly shared about his personal experiences with psychedelics. He mentioned that consuming a brew made with ayahuasca, a concoction derived from Amazonian plants possessing psychoactive properties, had a positive impact on his football performance.
Expert Perspectives
Experts in the field assert that psychedelics have proven effective in treating certain mental health disorders.
Robin Carhart-Harris, Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, mentioned in a dialogue with CNN Sport that the case becomes persuasive when viewed from a psychological therapy standpoint, particularly for treating depression, with a few notable exceptions.
Regarding the treatment of brain disorders, Carhart-Harris pointed out the scarcity of extensive research on the use of psychedelics. However, some studies suggest that psychedelics might promote
Despite the potential for neuron growth, only a handful of studies have thoroughly researched the possible advantages of psychedelics in the recovery from brain damage.
While the potential uses of psychedelics in mental health treatments and brain injury recovery are being investigated, experts emphasize the necessity of caution. Due to their potent effects, psychedelics could potentially provoke psychological disorders in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable.
Deciphering the Interaction between Psychedelics and the Brain
The impact of psychedelics varies depending on the specific kind consumed. Let’s consider magic mushrooms for instance. Health Canada defines these as mushrooms containing hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can cause alterations in sensory perception. These alterations might include visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in tactile sensation, emotional shifts, or even physical symptoms such as muscle spasms and fluctuations in heart rate or blood pressure.
Contrarily, these effects are not directly induced by psilocybin; it is metabolized into psilocin upon ingestion, which is the compound that causes the effects. Psilocin stimulates serotonin 5-HT2a receptors located on the cortical pyramidal cells in the brain.
David Nichols, a professor at Purdue University School of Pharmacy who has conducted research on psychedelics since the 1960s, explains that these cells serve as the main computational units of the brain, functioning as the central hub of all processing. The activation of these receptors by psilocin results in changes in brain metabolic activity and neuronal connectivity, which influence cognitive function and perception.
In relation to brain injury treatment, various theories propose how psychedelics might be advantageous. Classic psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors, known to regulate inflammation, and can also suppress cytokine inflammatory cells. This dual action could enhance blood flow to damaged regions and facilitate tissue recovery post-injury. In animal trials, DMT has proven effective in decreasing brain damage caused by arterial obstruction.
Magic Mushroom Dispensaries: A Gateway to Therapeutic Use of Shrooms
Magic mushroom dispensaries provide a secure and dependable source for those seeking genuine magic mushroom products. These dispensaries ensure safe transactions by delivering goods through reliable carriers such as Canada Post.
Perusing an online magic mushroom dispensary, you will encounter a vast selection of shrooms and psychedelic products. Each product possesses its own unique characteristics and advantages, providing users with the freedom to select a product that best suits their needs and preferences.
| PRODUCT | IDEAL FOR |
| Dried Shrooms | Individuals who savor the flavor of mushrooms and seek intense, quick experiences |
| Edibles/ Drinks | Individuals seeking to mask unpleasant tastes and prevent nausea during extended trips |
| Capsules | Individuals looking to include shrooms in their wellness regimen via microdosing |
Conclusion
Psychedelics like mushrooms exhibit potential in supporting the mental health of athletes grappling with traumatic injuries and professional stress. They offer diverse strategies for managing symptoms, particularly when coupled with therapy. This method produces encouraging and enduring results, as demonstrated in multiple studies.
Despite their potential, psychedelics have not yet received formal acceptance as a treatment technique within the medical field. Experts caution that consumption of magic mushrooms necessitates comprehensive knowledge for safe use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do athletes consume psychedelics in high or low doses?
The consumption of psychedelics varies based on individual requirements and desires. CNN interviews disclose a variety of consumption patterns: some opt for occasional high doses, while others prefer low doses to enhance focus or improve overall health.
Carhart-Harris proposes that there is considerable potential in utilizing low doses of psychedelics to augment mindfulness skills. This could foster profound focus, facilitating the attainment of a flow state.
Can I buy magic mushrooms from a medicinal mushroom store?
Medicinal mushroom outlets mainly provide a variety of mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and others. For magic mushrooms, you may want to consider a magic mushroom or psychedelic dispensary. Exercise caution to steer clear of illegal magic mushroom outlets or vendors who falsely advertise authentic psychedelics.
Should I combine talk therapy with psychedelic use?
In clinical trials, researchers couple therapy sessions with psychedelic usage. Research suggests that this integrated approach can facilitate a deeper comprehension of the self. Guiding individuals through the revelations from high-dose mushroom experiences can enrich the psychedelic experience.
Do psychedelics play a role in managing injury-related Can psychedelics be used to manage pain?
The potential of psychedelics in pain relief has yet to be fully examined. However, Anna Symonds, a former US rugby player, has suggested possible advantages of cannabis in this field.
Research conducted by F. Z. Zia and colleagues from the National Institutes of Health has considered the use of psychedelics in the treatment of chronic pain. It’s suggested that psychedelics may help relieve a variety of pain types, including headaches, cancer-related pain, phantom limb pain, and neuropathic pain. They propose that psychedelics could serve as “effective adjuncts” in managing chronic pain and associated conditions such as PTSD and major depression.
There is a limited number of studies on the use of psychedelics in acute pain treatment.
How can athletes incorporate psychedelics into their routines?
Microdosing, or the regular intake of small doses, is a distinctive facet of psychedelic use. This approach has become popular among athletes due to its capacity to limit negative effects while preserving therapeutic benefits. Implementing this method can produce sustainable results, like enhanced cognitive flexibility, which is vital for effective decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Primary Source:
Athletes With Life-Altering Injuries Turn To Psychedelics: A CNN Report
Authors:
Amy Woodyatt and George Ramsay
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