The public information comic, Pathways of Hope - Lived experience of drug + alcohol dependence and recovery, was developed through conversation cafés at the University of Glasgow, hosted by the Humanising Healthcare initiative. It was co-created with the recovery communities to capture their stories authentically.

The comic explores recovery through lived experience, dialogue and visual storytelling. It aims to build understanding and reduce the stigma around drug and alcohol dependence. The creators hope it will be used as a tool for learning and conversation by healthcare professionals, people on their own recovery path, and the family members and friends supporting them.

Recovery is a very personal journey and the comic tells one of those varied stories - Dave's Story - which depicts the grip of dependence and the possibility of recovery with support.

The comic is structured around five themes:

  • What leads to drugs and alcohol dependency
  • The meaning of recovery
  • First steps to recovery
  • Harm reduction strategies
  • Maintaining recovery

It also includes a Glaswegian glossary of commonly used terms, and links for help and support.

Dr Nic Dickson, Research Associate at the University of Glasgow and comic illustrator said: “Recovery means different things to different people – but it is about more than just stopping substance use. It is about rebuilding, reconnecting, and rediscovering what it means to live well. Health professionals, families, and friends all play a part in recognising when help is needed and in walking alongside someone on their recovery journey. I hope this comic will be used to spark conversations about the meaning of recovery in teaching, workshops, and support groups.”

Steff Kerr, Recovery Project Manager at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, who also has personal experience with addiction recovery, said: “The comic is a unique way to inform professionals about the realities of addiction and recovery. The fact that we, as people with lived experience, were at the forefront of its development makes it real, honest and powerful. It comes directly from our hearts and our souls and details our journeys from the darkness of addiction, to the struggles and joy of recovery. Our stories need to be told, and this comic is as important a way as any.”

The comic was shaped through a collaborative research process. Conversations at the cafes were captured as visual notes by Dr Nic Dickson. The themes were then refined with GP academics Dr Lynsay Crawford and Professor Andrea Williamson, alongside colleagues from Humanising Healthcare. The imagery and words were presented to members of the recovery community, medical students and doctors in workshops, to ensure the material felt appropriate and impactful. Illustrators Nic and Oscar Dickson then created the graphic content.

 

First published: 12 September 2025

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