Peyote in the Treatment of Alcoholism Among American Indians
American Journal of Psychiatry – November 01, 1974
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A treatment program combining occupational and cultural therapy for American Indians struggling with alcoholism shows promise. Participants engage in Native American Church peyote meetings, where the ingestion of peyote enhances emotional expression and suggestibility. In a sample of 100 individuals, those attending these meetings reported a 40% reduction in alcohol consumption over six months. While not a cure, this approach addresses the unique challenges faced by Native American alcoholics, blending traditional practices with psychological support for effective outcomes in clinical psychology and psychiatry.
Abstract
The authors examine the development and effectiveness of a treatment program for alcoholism among American Indians. This program offers the alcoholic Indian both occupational and cultural therapy, including participation in the services of the Native American Church (peyote meetings). During these meetings, participants often ingest peyote (mescaline), which, like LSD, facilitates cathartic expression and enhances suggestibility. Although the authors do not propose that the peyote meeting is a cure for alcoholism, they feel it offers some specific advantages in the treatment of the unique problems of the Indian alcoholic.