Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jun 2000
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2000 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95190
Fax: (408) 271-3792
Website: http://www.sjmercury.com/
Author: Cathleen Brown,  Headline by MAP editor

PEYOTE DURING RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

[snip]

Q From the time my grandchildren were 4 years old, they have been
given peyote by their mother. This is done during religious
ceremonies. Has there been any research done on the effects of this
hallucinogenic drug? The children are now 6, 10 and 12, and I worry
about them when they are in the 10- to 12-hour state of ``higher
consciousness.'' My son, who is divorced from their mother, has no say
in this.

J.H.

A Some religious groups use peyote in their ceremonies, however, it is
dangerous and irresponsible for a parent to give a hallucinogenic
substance to a child. Youngsters are incapable of understanding the
nature of what they are being given, and therefore are unable to make
the choice for themselves.

Peyote comes from a type of cactus and is used primarily by Indians of
Mexico and the Southwest in religious ceremonies.

Hallucinogens alter the brain's functioning and can produce long-term
consequences. Eight disorders related to the use of hallucinogens are
described in ``The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders'' (American Psychiatric Press), including hallucinogen
dependence, intoxication, perceptual disturbances, mood and anxiety
disorders.

Urge your son to contact a family law attorney and discuss his rights
regarding the children being given a hallucinogen. The non-custodial
parent should have a say in the children's health care. If his
ex-wife's family has any history of substance abuse or other mental
disorders he should report that to the attorney.

Cathleen Brown is a licensed psychologist. Contact her at  ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D