Ketamine and psilocybin for athletes: A therapeutic breakthrough or a slippery slope?
Performance Enhancement & Health – November 01, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin and ketamine are emerging as promising options for athlete recovery and pain management, potentially enhancing resilience, mood, and cognitive flexibility. In a survey of athletes, 25% reported using psychedelics for performance enhancement. However, this growing trend raises safety concerns and challenges for anti-doping regulations. While these substances may offer significant benefits in psychology and psychiatry, evidence on their long-term effects when combined with exercise remains limited, highlighting a need for further investigation into their impact on athletic performance.
Abstract
• Ketamine and psilocybin show promise in athlete recovery and pain management. • Psychedelics may enhance resilience, mood, and cognitive flexibility in sports. • Growing athlete use raises concerns for safety and anti-doping regulation. • Evidence on long-term effects with exercise remains scarce, urging research.