“That’s the cards you’ve been given. And it’s really just what you do with them”: a photovoice study about recovery

Purpose Young people with co-occurring mental health concerns and substance use require support and treatment; however, little is known about the perceptions of what surmises recovery for young people experiencing these concerns. This study aims to identify young people’s perceptions and experiences of recovery in the context of co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns. Design/methodology/approach This co-production study used a photovoice method to investigate recovery from the perspective of young people. The research team included a lived experience researcher who collaboratively developed the research approach and conducted data collection with traditional researchers. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used for analysis. Findings Seven young people participated in this study. Young people identify perceptions of recovery and their experience of pathways into recovery including themes on the connection between substance use and mental health concerns as well as challenges and supports for their recovery. This study has implications for future research and practice, including consideration of adverse childhood experiences, and the need for social and environmental connectedness was highlighted. Originality/value This study contributes new insights into perceptions of recovery from the voice of young people experiencing co-occurring mental health concerns and substance use. As a co-production project with a lived experience researcher on the research team, the findings reflect the unique perspectives and challenges young people face with recovery. This study contributes insights into photovoice approaches with young people, including an adapted version of one longer focus group and the use of photocards.