After $500K in Medical Bills, Hockey Pro Found Healing in Psilocybin Through Magic Mushroom Delivery
After spending over $500,000 on treatments for severe post-concussion symptoms, former NHL player Daniel Carcillo found relief through magic mushrooms. Traditional therapies had failed to alleviate his depression and anxiety, but magic mushroom delivery services provided him with significant mental health improvements.
Key Takeaways:
Daniel Carcillo, a former NHL star, felt like himself again after a single psilocybin.
One or two doses can produce long-lasting improvements in patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
Psilocybin may work when combined with regular exercise, better sleep, reduced intake of sugar and alcohol, and other healthy habits.
Breaking the Ice: The $500K Quest for Healing Behind a Hockey Player’s Health Battle
Daniel Carcillo's journey from NHL star to fighting with severe mental challenges underscores the intense physical and psychological toll that professional sports can have on athletes. His story illustrates the multifaceted nature of his struggles and the extensive treatments he pursued.
Health Challenges
Carcillo's hockey career was marked by multiple concussions, with seven diagnosed instances. These head injuries contributed to a range of symptoms akin to dementia, including severe headaches, cognitive impairments, and emotional instability.
The cumulative impact of his concussions led to significant issues. Carcillo experienced profound depression and anxiety, which severely affected his ability to enjoy life and engage with his family.
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns further compounded his distress. Carcillo went to bed in the early hours of the morning and struggled with excessive daytime sleep. It exacerbated his isolation and struggles.
He faced issues with impulse control and sensitivity to stimuli, such as sunlight, which triggered headaches and affected his relationship with his children.
Breakdown of $500,000 Expenditure
Prescription Medications
Rehabilitation Centers
Concussion Centers
Holistic Therapies
From Ice Rinks to Psychedelic Shrinks
In a "last-ditch effort" to alleviate his symptoms, he took a dose of psilocybin in Denver. He said that he woke up the next day feeling like himself again. He had a zest for life for the first time in a very long time. All he wanted to do was FaceTime his wife and kids and get back home.
The Science and Benefits Behind the Magic
Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It produces a range of effects that can include euphoria, altered perceptions, and hallucinations. Beyond recreational use, scientists have sought to understand how it affects the brain to produce its benefits.
Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses can produce dramatic and long-lasting improvements in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. It also shows promise in treating cluster headaches, anxiety, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and various forms of substance abuse.
The data are strong for conditions ranging from depression and PTSD to cluster headaches.
How Daniel Carcillo Discovered The Magic
His journey began when he came across a study from the Imperial College of London. The study suggested that it could potentially "reset" brain circuits associated with depression. Intrigued by these findings, he travelled to Denver, Colorado.
He participated in a high-dose ceremony, which he described as transformative. He noted an immediate improvement in his outlook on life and a renewed connection with his family.
Carcillo’s subsequent steps—founding Wesana Health and integrating it into his regimen—demonstrate a commitment to exploring and promoting alternative mental treatments. He regularly microdoses and occasionally takes larger doses.
He also keeps track of his health with regular brain scans and blood tests and adjusts dosage as needed.
Carcillo emphasizes that his current well-being is not solely due to the substance. He also exercises regularly, manages his sleep and intake of sugar and alcohol, and ensures he spends time outdoors in the sunshine.
Psilocybin Vs. Conventional Treatments
Aspect | Psilocybin | Conventional Treatments |
Treatment Focus | Potentially addresses mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by altering brain circuits. Targets multiple types of mental conditions | Targets symptoms of mental health conditions through medications and therapies. Focus on a single condition. |
Onset of Effects | Immediate effects during the session, with potential long-term benefits reported after treatment. | Effects can vary; some offer immediate relief, while others may take weeks or longer. |
Accessibility | Limited accessibility due to lack of dispensaries | Established medical and therapeutic frameworks provide well-regulated treatments. |
Psychological Impact | Reports of profound changes in perspective and mood can be profoundly transformative. | Improve mood and cognition; Generally gradual and more predictable. |
Management and Support | Used in ceremonial or guided settings; requires a trip sitter | Managed by healthcare professionals; includes ongoing support and monitoring. |
A New Frontier for Athletes
Many athletes, particularly those with chronic pain, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health issues from their careers, find that traditional treatments don’t work well. Some have started exploring alternative treatments. Among these alternatives, psilocybin offers a transformative option.
“Was it, like, one of the most profound experiences of my life? "I'd say yes."
Mike Lee, a former professional boxer, exemplifies this search. After retiring, Lee experienced debilitating pain and depression, exacerbated by a reliance on numerous prescription medications.
The retreat helped him let go of his boxing identity and embrace a new path. Moving to Austin and starting a business with his sister allowed him to redefine his purpose. Lee’s shift towards activities like surfing and pickleball underscores the retreat's role in helping athletes explore new interests and find peace outside of their previous careers.
“And I think these are spiritual medicines, and I just feel like it's the right path for me.”
Riley Cote, a former NHL enforcer, shares a similar narrative. Addiction and challenges marked Cote’s post-hockey life. His turn to the compound, after a period of recreational use, led to profound personal healing. Cote now advocates for psychedelic therapy to assist other ex-athletes in finding relief through these treatments.
"That trip gave me a lot of clarity."
Steve Downie experienced significant personal growth after his retreat. He moved beyond the darkness of depression and began reconnecting with his past passions, such as running a snowmobile camp. The retreat provided clarity that helped him realign his life’s goals - a renewed focus on family and personal interests.
Downie’s experience highlights the potential use to facilitate a meaningful shift in perspective, encouraging individuals to rediscover passions and create new opportunities for fulfillment.
"You couldn't ask for a better thing than to have followed guidance from a mushroom journey."
A former NFL lineman, Justin Renfrow, sought clarity on his career and life decisions through therapy. With a body battered by football and a growing disdain for pharmaceuticals, Renfrow hoped the retreat would help him transition from football to other pursuits.
His post-retreat journey included a reevaluation of his football career. Initially planning to retire, Renfrow’s clarity from the retreat led him to re-sign with the Edmonton Elks and later join the Jacksonville Sharks. His experience demonstrates how it can guide significant life decisions, from career choices to personal aspirations.
The Role of Magic Mushroom Delivery Services
Many people, including former athletes and those with mental or physical health issues, may want to try the effects of magic mushrooms. Unlike cannabis, magic mushrooms are less widely available in physical stores. Online dispensaries make it easier for Canadians to access them safely.
These online dispensaries offer various products so that you can experiment with different dosages and intake frequencies. You don't have to struggle with depression anymore.
Product | Type | Amount/ Dosage |
King Kong | Dried Shroom | 3.5, 7, 14, 28g |
Penis Envy Dino Egg | Dried Shroom | 3.5, 7, 14, 28g |
Wonder – Psilocybin Gummies – Cranberry | Edibles - gummy | 3000mg |
Bright Future – Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt | Edibles - chocolate | 3000mg |
Kind Stranger – Microdose | Capsules | 100mg/ capsule |
Bright Future – Daily Dose | Tincture | 3g |
Bright Future – Nootropic Tea – Cloud Nine | Shroom Drink | 100mg/pack |
Psychedelics in the Athletic World
Psychedelics disrupt negative thought patterns so patients see a way out of their depression or other conditions. For former athletes struggling to adjust to life after their careers, psychedelics can help them find new meaning and purpose. While conventional treatments are available, they can be expensive and fail to provide the desired effects. Zoomies Canada is changing this by offering high-quality shroom products to those dealing with mental health challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we know about the dosing regimen and its effects?
This infrequent dosing regimen has effectively produced strong effects. The flexibility in dosing contributes to its therapeutic potential while minimizing risks.
How did athletes use psilocybin?
Each person has a unique approach, from the dosage they take to the type of product they use. Many athletes opt for retreats, where they consume a single dose to achieve the desired effects. Carcillo did this as well but followed it up with a microdosing regimen. Microdosing involves taking small amounts of the substance, which does not produce hallucinogenic effects.
How long will the benefits of this substance last?
In studies where patients received just one dose of a psychedelic, a few people were still better eight years later, but for most, it lasted for four or five months.
