Photo Voice project shares the stories behind addictions

Through the project Schreiner hopes the community will become more empathetic, discovering that every addict has a story and a path that led them to their current circumstances.

“Every person I’ve met with, something happened before the addiction,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner is meeting with participants one-on-one. As they discuss their experiences, they begin to visualize their stories through imagery.

“When you tell a story with a photograph people have to listen, because there’s no one to talk over,” Schreiner said. “And when you’ve seen an image you can’t unsee it, so you can turn off your T.V., you can stop reading an article, but once you’ve seen an image you can’t take that back.”

The goal of the Photo Voice project is to cause people to think differently about individuals struggling with addictions.

It has already had the desired effect on Schreiner herself.

“The most important thing I’ve learned is that I don’t know anything,” she said. “I know that might sound strange, but I went into this project believing that I was a very open-minded person, that I wasn’t a judgemental personality, that I understood some of the problems that we’re having in our community around addiction. The reality is I don’t know anything.”

Schreiner hopes to have all of the materials gathered by the end of the month, but she’s still hoping to connect with more participants before the project is unveiled.

Anyone wishing to participate is asked to email photovoicekamloops@gmail.com . Everyone who reaches out will remain anonymous.

by Jill Sperling

Photo Voice project shares the stories behind addictions

Our Community