Artwork title: Investigating recovery from problem drugs
Emma Smith
The lead researcher for this study was Emma Smith, a PhD student from the University of Worcester. She can be found on Twitter at @Emlousmith404
These images represent photographs taken by participants as part of a PhD study investigating the experiences of recovery from problem substance use. Seven participants from a recovery organisation in the Southwest were invited to participate in a ‘Photovoice’ study. Photovoice is a type of research method where cameras are given to participants and they are asked to record their experiences. Participants in this study were asked to take pictures of “people, places, and things which are meaningful” in their recovery from problem drug use. Participants were subsequently interviewed, using the images as a catalyst for discussion.
Through their images, participants highlighted the positive, negative, and neutral aspects of recovery as their identity and social networks changed. Photovoice provided a unique way of visualizing recovery which allowed participants to control their own narratives for themselves. The captions presented under the images were written by participants, although the full context of a participant’s story is difficult to communicate with just a few words. Pseudonyms are used to protect the identify of photographers and identifying photographs are shared with participant’s permission. We would also like to invite you to provide feedback on your experience of this exhibition as part of the lead researcher’s PhD study.
Next stop: Ecrubox (First Floor), Royal Porcelain Works, Severn Street
Feedback on stop 19
Click here to give your feedback: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AAGQHB/
Please note that all responses are anonymous and that this data will be used to inform the PhD thesis of a research student at the University of Worcester. Please do not include any identifiable information about yourselves in the free text box items. Any questions about this survey or research project may be directed to the lead researcher, Emma Smith, at e.smith2@worc.ac.uk