JOURNAL ARTICLE

Hitting the Reset Button: Ceremonial Use of Peyote and Experiences of Personal Change.

  • Published In: Journal of Drug Issues, 2026, v. 56, n. 1. P. 150 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Copes, Heith; Hochstetler, Andy; Ragland, Jared; Hendricks, Peter S. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines how participants in peyote (Lophophora williamsii) ceremonies in rural Northcentral Alabama describe life changes attributed to peyote use in naturalistic, ritualistic settings. Drawing on photo-ethnographic data from interviews and observations, the study identifies four core areas of change reported by users: reduced substance misuse, new life perspectives, improved mental health, and improved physical health. Participants attributed these changes to enduring the challenging peyote experience, perceived neurobiological "rewiring," and spiritual introspection fostered by communal ritual contexts. The findings highlight the importance of set, setting, and intention in shaping outcomes and suggest directions for future clinical and therapeutic research on peyote and psychedelics more broadly.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Drug Issues. 2026/01, Vol. 56, Issue 1, p150
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Science
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0022-0426
  • DOI:10.1177/00220426241274737
  • Accession Number:189194174
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