Psilocybin—the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms”—has entered the spotlight in a groundbreaking way. Once thought of strictly as a recreational substance or a cultural taboo, it’s now being studied for something much more serious: its potential to treat brain injuries.
This weekend in Portland, Oregon, a treatment center called Experience Onward welcomed a group of professional fighters—including bare-knuckle boxers and MMA athletes—to explore psilocybin therapy for brain injuries. These athletes have spent years enduring concussions and head trauma, and they’re now participating in an experimental healing journey backed by observation and science.
Why Athletes Are Turning to Psilocybin
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, can cause long-term damage. Former athletes like Mark “The Shark” Irwin describe issues with memory loss, speech, and cognitive function after years of repeated blows to the head. Traditional treatments often fall short in fully restoring function.
Irwin, along with seven other fighters, is participating in guided psilocybin therapy designed to address these lingering cognitive issues. Their experience is being documented before, during, and after the sessions—including brain scans and memory tests.
The idea? Use psilocybin to stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections—and potentially reverse the effects of brain injuries.
From Retired Hockey Players to UFC Fighters: Personal Stories Spark Hope
One of the leading voices in this space is Daniel Carcillo, a former NHL player who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. After years of searching for relief, he underwent two high-dose psilocybin sessions.
According to Carcillo, follow-up scans and blood work now show no abnormalities.
“Psilocybin has reversed all signs of my brain damage,” Carcillo said. “Neurologists can’t find anything wrong.”
Now, he’s helping others access the same protocols. The goal isn’t just anecdotal healing—it’s structured research with data collection to fight stigma and push toward broader acceptance.
How Psilocybin Therapy Works for Brain Injuries
Psilocybin therapy isn’t just about taking mushrooms—it’s a guided experience in a safe, clinical setting. Patients are carefully screened, baseline tests are administered, and dosing is supervised by trained facilitators.
During the therapy, participants may experience vivid thoughts, emotions, and insights. The theory is that these psychedelic sessions unlock a healing state in the brain, where deep patterns can shift, and damaged areas may begin to recover.
While research is still early, there’s growing interest in how psilocybin may improve:
Cognitive flexibility
Emotional regulation
Memory recall
Neural inflammation
These are all areas heavily impacted by traumatic brain injuries.
The Future of Psychedelic Therapy and TBI Treatment
The Portland study adds to a growing body of real-world evidence that psilocybin therapy for brain injuries may be worth serious exploration. Observational trials like this one are a necessary bridge between personal testimony and full clinical adoption.
Researchers, clinicians, and patients alike are pushing for more data and more access.
If successful, this could open the door to psychedelic-assisted therapies becoming a mainstream option for treating trauma-related neurological damage.
As more athletes share their stories and more clinics adopt data-driven approaches, the hope is that healing from TBIs won’t just be about coping—but about restoring lives.
Citations
Carhart-Harris, R.L., & Nutt, D.J. (2017). Serotonin and brain function: a tale of two receptors. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 31(9), 1091–1120. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881117725915
Nichols, D.E. (2016). Psychedelics. Pharmacological Reviews, 68(2), 264–355. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.011478
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