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Investigating recovery from problem substance use using digital photovoice
Author(s) -
Smith Emma,
Carter Melody,
Walklet Elaine,
Hazell Paul
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22957
Subject(s) - photovoice , harm , feeling , psychology , service (business) , harm reduction , process (computing) , social psychology , internet privacy , applied psychology , public relations , computer science , nursing , business , medicine , political science , visual arts , marketing , art , operating system , public health
This study investigates the complex process of recovery from problem substance use using a visual research method known as ‘Photovoice’. Seven service users from a harm reduction drug service were given digital cameras and asked to photograph ‘people, places, and things’ meaningful to them in their recovery. These photographs were then used as a catalyst for discussion during two in‐depth interviews. This study demonstrates the nuanced experiences of recovery as some participants expressed feeling isolated while others reflected upon their access to various forms of social capital. These findings recognise the link between social capital and recovery outcomes, while also reflecting upon how services might imbed the need for relationship quality within artificial recovery networks. The use of photographs is a novel way of providing voice to the lived experience of service users and adds to the discussion and debate concerning how recovery services may develop.