Overview

Peyote is a cactus that contains an alkaloid called mescaline. The mescaline is a psychoactive drug and has been compared to LSD or mushrooms. Peyote is used in Religious ceremonies by certain Native American tribes. When used by these tribes peyote is not illegal to possess or ingest.

It is also used as a recreational drug, particularly in the American Southwest. When the dried leaves of the peyote cactus are ingested the user can have intense hallucinations. Other users claim it helps them achieve a more spiritual state and heightens the ability to be introspective.

The peyote leaves may be boiled to produce a psychoactive tea, the leaves may be eaten, or the mescaline alkaloid can be created synthetically.

Peyote Side Effects

The side effects of peyote include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Increase in body temperature
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Numbness, weakness, and tremors
• Feelings of terror and loss of control

Peyote Addiction

The current research indicates the peyote is not physically addictive. Users will develop a tolerance to peyote fairly quickly however which means more of the drug is needed to achieve the psychoactive effects. The user may also become psychologically addicted to the effect of the drug.

Peyote Treatment

There are several hospitals in the American Southwest that claim to be able to treat a peyote addiction. Addiction to peyote can cause the user to become anxious. There is not a current medication approved for the treatment of peyote addiction. As with all addictions a desire to stop, a willingness to go to a twelve step program, and a supportive environment will proved a user with a good foundation for overcoming their peyote addiction.

Peyote Links

If you would like more information on about peyote use, prevention, or side effects please feel free to visit the following web sites:

http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/Drug_Guide/Peyote http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/peyote.asp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyote