Jesus, Peyote, and the Holy People: Alcohol Abuse and the Ethos of Power in Navajo Healing

Abstract

Of the three religious healing traditions that coexist within the contemporary Navajo health care system, the Native American Church (NAC) and Pentecostal Christianity are more actively involved in the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse than is Traditional Navajo healing. This article examines these two more recent healing traditions as religious responses to the contemporary Navajo crisis of alcohol and substance abuse as well as to socioeconomic changes. These traditions offer new kinds of power, social networks, and personal meaning that facilitate a transformation of self, a revitalized sense of community, and a new vision of the possibilities of the future for Navajo people who suffer. Examining the ethos of power that underlies Navajo healing can complement the theoretical emphasis on harmony and beauty in anthropological research on Navajo culture and religion.

Measurement of Factors Influencing the Relapse of Addiction: A Factor Analysis

“…According to another study, as an economic factor, life costs have a remarkable influence on the relapse of addiction that is in concordance with the current study (9). However, the results of another study showed that in the western countries, death phobia and getting tired of addiction are the main causes motivating people to give up addiction (20). This finding does not agree with our study.…”

Classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions

“…Early-stage clinical trials of psilocybin for nicotine dependence (Johnson et al, 2014) and alcohol dependence (Bogenschutz et al, 2015) have recently been completed, and further trials are currently under way. Observational studies have suggested that sacramental use of plant materials containing classic hallucinogens (peyote, containing mescaline, or ayahuasca, containing DMT) suggests that these practices are associated with decreased disordered use of substances and few if any detrimental effects (Albaugh and Anderson, 1974b;Barbosa et al, 2012;Doering-Silveira et al, 2005;Fabregas et al, 2010;Garrity, 2000;Halpern et al, 2005;Halpern et al, 2008;Kunitz and Levy, 1994;Lu et al, 2009;Roy, 1973). Ayahuasca and ibogaine are being used to treat addictions in many retreat centers and treatment programs in Latin America and the Caribbean, but efficacy studies have not been done.…”

“…Today peyote is used sacramentally by groups including the Native American Church (NAC) (Stewart, 1987) and the Huichol of northern Mexico (Meyerhoff, 1974). It has often been stated that taking peyote in the context of NAC ceremonies helps alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety (Albaugh and Anderson, 1974b;Garrity, 2000;Kunitz and Levy, 1994;Lu et al, 2009). Proposed psychological mechanism includes emotional catharsis (Albaugh and Anderson, 1974a) and improved self-understanding and motivation for sobriety (Garrity, 2000).…”

Therapeutic mechanisms of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions: from indirect evidence to testable hypotheses

“…Trichter et al evaluated self-reported spiritual changes among novice participants after an ayahuasca ceremony. [71] Halpern et al assessed the cognitive and psychological effects of long-term peyote use by members of the NAC. [63] In addition, a qualitative analysis of participants' experiences was performed, and a consistent 'spiritual themes' were identified in many of the participants' reports of the experience.…”