Athletes Embrace Psychedelic Therapy For Concussion Symptoms, More Than One-Third Say It Helps

A new study reveals that athletes and sports staff in the U.S. and Canada are increasingly open to using psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) as a treatment for concussions and post-concussion symptoms. As reported by Double Blind, the research published in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology surveyed 175 adults, including 85 athletes and 90 sports staff members, such as coaches and physical therapists. Over 61% of athletes and more than 71% of staff expressed a willingness to explore PAT with substances like psilocybin for recovery from sports-related head injuries.

The study is the most comprehensive examination to date of psychedelic use among Canadian and American athletes, marking a significant step toward understanding the potential of psychedelics in sports recovery. The authors noted that this is the first study to investigate athletes' willingness to try PAT for concussion recovery and whether their sports staff would support its use.

Concussions And Persisting Symptoms

Sports-related concussions affect millions of athletes annually, with from 10% to 30% experiencing long-lasting symptoms, known as persisting post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). These can include mood swings, cognitive impairment and physical issues like headaches and fatigue. Standard treatments involve cognitive and physical rest, but many athletes seek alternative therapies for faster or more complete recovery.

Widespread Receptiveness In The Sports Community

The survey results show a high level of acceptance for PAT within the athletic community. Specifically, 61.2% of athletes indicated they were open to trying PAT, while 71.1% of staff reported they would support their athletes in pursuing such treatment.

The study also found that some 35% of all respondents had used psychedelics in the past year, with psilocybin being the most commonly reported. The reasons for use often included personal improvement and mood enhancement with many athletes reporting positive results in managing anxiety, depression and trauma-related conditions.

However, concerns persist. The study noted that nearly one quarter of respondents, both athletes and staff, were worried about the long-term effects of psychedelic use. Access to treatment and stigma from coaches and staff were also cited as barriers.

Promising Future For Psychedelic Therapy

Despite concerns, the report emphasizes that individuals with more knowledge about psilocybin were generally more receptive to its use. "These findings highlight the feasibility of collaborating with the sports community to examine this innovative therapy approach," the authors wrote, noting the potential benefits for athletes with concussion-related injuries.

While psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have not been formally tested on people with sports-related concussions, researchers hypothesize that the compounds could reduce neuro-inflammation, induce neurogenesis and manage anxiety and depression—symptoms commonly associated with concussions.

The study's findings come at a time when interest in alternative treatments for head injuries is growing, particularly as professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, invest in research on cannabinoids for concussion management.

Looking Ahead

As the conversation around PAT in sports gains traction, further studies are needed to explore its effectiveness in concussion recovery. Researchers concluded that the receptiveness from athletes and staff alike opens up new avenues for collaboration and research in the evolving field of psychedelic therapy for sports injuries.

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