Exploring the Experiences of Individuals in Recovery from Substance Abuse: Through Photovoice

Experiencing tragedy in life and facing a difficult situation is not easy to deal with. Like substance abuse which is known as harmful or excessive use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, or illegal drugs. It involves the persistent and recurrent consumption of substances in a manner that negatively impacts an individual’s physical and mental health, social functioning, and overall well-being. It requires more courage and more positive thoughts to overcome the post-traumatic situation that might happen successfully. The study explored the journey of drug addicts living without substance abuse through a photovoice approach in the province of Misamis Occidental. There were eight (8) identified recovered drug addicts who were purposely chosen as part of the study. In gathering the needed data from the participants, the researcher employed a Photovoice method, and themes were determined from the participants’ responses. The researcher successfully gathered the needed data for the study with a photovoice approach with the identified participants. It is evident in the study that there were four (4) identified themes based on the responses of the participants such as (1) Discrimination [Stigma] after Discovery; (2) Psychological consequences; (3) Coping Styles and Mechanisms; and (4) Reflecting on Sense of Purpose and Accepting past life experiences. The participants experienced negative reactions from close relatives, discrimination, receiving a negative reputation, low self-evaluation, guilt and shame, and avoidance or isolation of self-situations, which are normal reactions for anyone who has experienced tragedy. All participants used “acceptance of identity,†“changing in social circle,†“clinging to spirituality,†and “sensing the purpose of ourselves†to overcome life’s challenges by becoming advocates/role models and better family members. Continuous monitoring of the victims should be considered to ensure that the victims are stable emotionally and psychologically. Further, intervention plans should be in place to maintain or continuously improve the coping mechanisms of drug addicts living without substance abuse.