“It’s Like You Are Stamped and Then You Never Get to Be Anything Else”: A Photovoice Exploration of Stigma, Oppression, and Substance Use

Abstract

Grounded in community-based participatory research (CBPR) and an arts-based data collection process known as photovoice, this study analyzed narratives and photos conveying the harmful impact of various social systems on people with a history of substance use. Interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, four of whom engaged in the photovoice project, present here. Five major findings emerged: (a) internalized stigma, (b) public stigma, (c) structural stigma, (d) stigmatized grief, and (e) alternative forms of healing. Findings provide context for the evidence of harms caused by various types of stigma and the criminalization of substance use, while also highlighting individuals’ resilience. It provides insights for social workers on the experiences and challenges that such individuals face when navigating these systems and supports investing in community-driven forms of healing and recovery.