How does In my shoes work?
This project originated from the desire to help individuals recovering from addiction regain independence and rebuild their lives. Our team explored cities significantly impacted by substance abuse, studying their histories, current situations, and potential futures to identify the root causes and possible solutions to addiction. Although providing practical support like housing, education, and medical care is important, we recognized that addressing emotional and social factors underlying addiction is even more critical.
Inspired by the Rat Park Experiment, conducted by Canadian psychologist Bruce K. Alexander in the late 1970s, we learned that addiction isn't just a chemical dependency but is deeply influenced by social isolation and one's environment.
Social isolation can both lead to and result from addiction. Many people experiencing addiction lose connections with loved ones. Our project places significant emphasis on rebuilding these emotional relationships because we believe empathy and meaningful human connections are essential for successful recovery and lasting rehabilitation.
The game can be played casually among friends and family or integrated into rehabilitation centres, counselling sessions, and therapeutic programs.
Our research focused on three neighborhoods across North America that have long histories of substance abuse, homelessness, and social isolation:
Downtown Eastside (Vancouver)
A community heavily impacted by poverty, marginalization, and a devastating opioid crisis.Moss Park (Toronto)
A low-income area struggling with homelessness, addiction, and ongoing pressures from urban redevelopment.Kensington (Philadelphia)
An epicenter of America’s opioid epidemic, where economic collapse and systemic neglect created deep-rooted social challenges.
Across all three locations, we found common patterns:
Displacement of vulnerable groups
Gentrification that pushed communities into deeper hardship
Isolation and loss of social connections as major contributors to addiction
Based on our timeline research (1920–2120) and location studies, we developed three nonprofit concepts aimed at offering real solutions across different periods:
Past Solution (1920–1980s):
Educational Facilities for Immigrants — Offering language training, cultural education, and job preparation to prevent early isolation.Present Solution (2020s):
Community Outreach Services — Prioritizing personal visits and group activities to rebuild a sense of belonging for individuals facing homelessness and addiction.Future Solution (2100s):
Preventative Education through Technology — Using VR/AR tools to teach youth about mental health, addiction prevention, and emotional resilience.
Each solution focuses on strengthening emotional bonds and preventing isolation before it can lead to deeper struggles.
We decided to develop our present solution, the community outreach services. As we explored this further, we came across the Rat Park Experiment, which became a pivotal influence on our thinking.
We now recognized that while practical support—such as housing, education, and medical care—is essential, but the emotional and social factors underlying addiction are just as critical. We wanted to address these deeper needs and help individuals feel connected to a community once again. The idea was simple yet powerful: to rebuild a sense of belonging and connection for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
The study demonstrated how social isolation and lack of supportive environments play a significant role in addiction. Rats living in an enriched, socially connected environment (Rat Park) avoided compulsive behavior, while those in isolation fell into addiction.
Inspired by this, we realized that fostering social bonds and creating safe spaces for emotional expression were key to supporting recovery. In light of this, we decided to develop a solution in the form of a card game.
We translated our research into an interactive, flexible tool: In My Shoes, a card game that encourages emotional exploration through storytelling. Players share stories using personal tokens, distancing themselves from sensitive topics. Other players select Feelings and Needs Cards to help reflect on the story, fostering active listening and empathy.
This card game could be used in rehab centers or by anyone wishing to rebuild their sense of belonging, by offering a space to explore emotions and build connections with others. We wanted the game to be flexible, making it suitable for both professional environments and casual use among family or peer groups.
Through interactive storytelling, emotional awareness, and group reflection, the In My Shoes card game serves as a low-pressure, engaging tool to help individuals navigate complex emotions, reconnect with others, and begin healing from the social isolation that often underlies addiction.
To ensure that In My Shoes would be effective in real-world environments, we interviewed rehabilitation professionals. Key insights gathered from the interviews included:
Evidence of Effectiveness: Pilot studies and data collection are essential to validate the game’s impact.
Flexible Use: Group settings are ideal for participants with higher insight, while one-on-one sessions are better for those with lower insight.
Facilitator Guidance: Professionals must guide sessions to ensure emotional safety and meaningful discussions.
Customization: Emotions and needs cards must be tailored to the specific group’s experiences.
Penalty and Challenge Systems: These should be calibrated carefully, as some participants may respond better to alternative methods.
We incorpated these insights and made several key improvements to the game to better suit the needs of participants and facilitate a more impactful experience.
