Study: 61% of Athletes Are Willing To Try Psychedelic-assisted Therapy
A groundbreaking study has revealed that a significant majority of athletes and sports staff are open to the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for treating concussions and managing post-concussion symptoms. The research, published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, surveyed 175 adult respondents, including 85 athletes and 90 athletic staff from the United States and Canada.
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Athlete and Staff Attitudes
The study found that 61.2% of athletes expressed willingness to engage in PAT, while an even higher percentage of staff (71.1%) reported they would support their athletes using such treatment. This high level of receptiveness suggests a growing acceptance of alternative therapies in the sports community, particularly when backed by scientific evidence.
Among athletes, the breakdown of likelihood to try PAT was as follows:
- 23.3% said they’d be “very likely”
- 22.4% said they’d be “likely”
- 15.3% said they’d be “somewhat likely”
Staff members showed similar levels of support:
- 24.4% were “very likely” to support PAT
- 25.6% were “likely”
- 21.1% were “somewhat likely”
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Current Psychedelic Use
Interestingly, the study revealed that about a third (34.5%) of all respondents had used psychedelics within the past year, with psilocybin being the most commonly reported substance. The primary reasons for use were personal improvement (14.5%) and mood enhancement (13.6%). Some participants also reported using psilocybin for health-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues, generally noting improvements in these areas.
Barriers and Concerns
Despite the overall positive attitude, the study identified several barriers to the adoption of PAT:
- Long-term effects: The most common concern among both athletes (24.0%) and staff (24.7%) was the potential long-term impact of psychedelic use.
- Stigma: 18.3% of athletes highlighted concerns about stigma from coaches or other team staff.
- Access: 19.2% of staff believed access to psilocybin treatment would be a significant barrier.
Knowledge and Attitudes
The research indicated that participants were somewhat familiar with psilocybin and its medical uses. Importantly, higher levels of knowledge about psilocybin were associated with more positive attitudes and greater willingness to use or support PAT. This finding underscores the importance of education in shaping attitudes towards novel therapies.
Potential Mechanisms
While psilocybin has not been formally investigated for sports-related concussions, the researchers hypothesize three primary mechanisms through which it might benefit those with concussions and persisting symptoms:
- Acting as an anti-inflammatory agent
- Inducing neurogenic effects in brain regions implicated in cognitive functioning
- Managing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common after sports-related concussions
Broader Context
This study comes at a time when the sports world is increasingly open to alternative therapies. The National Football League (NFL), for instance, has partnered with researchers to investigate the potential of CBD for neuroprotection from concussions and pain management. Similarly, organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have recently relaxed their policies on marijuana use among athletes.
In conclusion, this research highlights a significant shift in attitudes towards psychedelic therapies in the sports community. As more studies explore the potential benefits of substances like psilocybin for concussion treatment, we may see a growing acceptance and integration of these therapies in sports medicine. However, addressing concerns about long-term effects and improving access to treatment will be crucial steps in this evolving landscape.
