Tiree Taylor

My work is fundamentally rooted in the theories of the dislocation model of substance use disorders (SUD’s). The dislocation theory looks at the wider causes of SUDs outside of the control of the individual, viewing them as a socially determined illness, as opposed to one solely determined by personal behaviour and moral weakness. My work recognises SUDs as an adaptive response to wider structural and societal issues by recognising and exploring the wide range external drivers of which can increase vulnerability to SUD’s such as stigma, poverty, race, discrimination, and trauma. 

I hope to create financially, physically, and conceptually accessible work which can inform the community at large and challenge the negative stereotypes we have learned about those struggling with SUD’s. 

It is important to recognise the brilliant charitable organisations making a huge impact throughout Edinburgh on the lives of individuals and families impacted by harmful drug use - you can find a link to these services at the top of this page. 

Accessing such support however can be difficult in a culture which stigmatises individuals struggling with substance use. In collaboration with some of these organisations, I hope to create engaging and accessible reproduceable media such as stickers, posters, and comics which might emphasise the support systems in place and encourage the community at large to challenge the prejudices they carry.