How did peyote ceremonies relate to values such as family responsibility and abstinence from alcohol?

The Native American Church, which utilizes peyote in its religious ceremonies, is not a "drug cult." Rather, it is a recognized, syncretistic religious movement that integrates indigenous traditions with Christian elements.12

Within the faith, the "Peyote Road"—the prescribed way of life for adherents—explicitly mandates ethical conduct, including family responsibility, self-support through steady work, and the total avoidance of alcohol. Adherents view peyote as a sacred gift or spirit that serves as a guide, providing the moral strength necessary to uphold these values.12

By emphasizing these principles, the church encourages its members to achieve goals of brotherly love and self-reliance. Observers have noted that practitioners of the peyote religion are often distinguished by their commitment to these standards, which serve as a vital component of their spiritual practice and community life.2