Digital Storytelling (DST) is a narrative tool that uses digital media to allow individuals, especially marginalized groups, to tell their everyday story. The Supporting Moms Project used DST as a way to showcase the experiences of women in recovery for substance use disorders during pregnancy who also work as peer mentors with pregnant women with substance use disorders. The goal of this pilot study was to understand the process and meaning of recovery from the perspective of women with lived experiences of perinatal substance use.
Five peer mentors were recruited to participate in a 3-day workshop where participants discussed differences between being “in” recovery and “doing” recovery. The first is described as going through the protocol while the second is active participation and commitment to recovery. The pilot study served as a place for “doing recovery,” as participants connected past experiences to their present lives, formed more profound connections with fellow peer mentors, and developed a sense of purpose as they looked to the future. The pilot mirrored parts of the peer-mentor experience itself as participants shared their stories and developed supportive relationships. The DST process can increase and strengthen social support for participants, and in this way serve as a therapeutic experience for women in recovery from substance use disorders who also serve as peer mentors.
Paterno, M. T., Fiddian-Green, A., & Gubrium, A. (January 01, 2018). Moms Supporting Moms: Digital Storytelling With Peer Mentors in Recovery From Substance Use. Health Promotion Practice, 19, 6, 823-832.