Ketamine and psilocybin for athletes: A therapeutic breakthrough or a slippery slope?
Thomas Zandonai, Sofia Venturini, Ornella Corazza
Performance Enhancement & Health November 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2025.100386 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractKetamine and psilocybin may improve recovery and pain management in athletes, potentially enhancing resilience, mood, and cognitive flexibility. However, increasing use among athletes raises safety concerns and challenges for anti-doping regulations. Evidence on long-term effects when combined with exercise is scarce, highlighting the need for further research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Athletes |
| Topics | Ketamine Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Cognition Flexibility engineering |
| Key finding | Ketamine and psilocybin show promise for athlete recovery and pain management but raise safety and regulatory concerns, with limited evidence on long-term effects with exercise. |
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.