Peyotism and the Control of Heavy Drinking: The Nebraska Winnebago in the Early 1900s

Abstract

This article, based on ethnohistorical research, describes the drinking practices of the Winnebago Indians from the early 1860s, when they moved into Nebraska, until the early 1920s and relates these drinking practices to the changing sociocultural environment. The major focus is on the manner in which the Peyote religion helped control excessive drinking. The discussion examines Peyotism as a native therapeutic system and compares it to other such native systems and to Western regimens. It is argued that common elements in these diverse approaches are responsible for the successful control or treatment of excessive drinking.