Survivor’s Guide to Opioids

The British Columbia Centre on Substance Use asked me to update their guide on opioid use that was targeted to opioid users and their loved ones. The goal of this project was to create something that was not clinical in nature, could be visually engaging, and was written by those that have personal experience with opioids and OAT (Opioid Agonist Treatment). 

After several months of remote work and a trip to the BCCSU’s office to meet some of the guide’s writers, the 83 booklet came to life with raw and colourful illustrations, hand drawn typography, and a lot of critical information. The powerful cover illustration, provided by artist Hawkfeather Peterson, was my guiding inspiration for the look of the rest of the handbook.

I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work on something that aims to empower opioid users to get the information they’re entitled to while they face a world full of stigma that can often offer little support. I also hope the handbook can offer support to family and loved ones who care about someone with addiction.

As of summer 2019, the handbook is available at various medical services providers around BC. You can read the online version on the BCCSU’s website.