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10+ Before-And-After Pics Show What Happens When You Stop Drinking (50+ New Pics)
Remember our post about the effects of alcohol on the body? It became a viral sensation with more than 1.4 million views and inspired more than 50 Bored Panda readers to upload their own stories. We decided that these pandas deserve a separate post, so we made a part II to raise awareness.
There are so many benefits of quitting drinking - starting with improved health, lost pounds, and ending with feeling so much better about yourself while also managing the sometimes irreparable long-term effects of alcohol abuse.
Some of these people changed so much, and they're barely recognizable compared to their previous selves - take a look below at our compilation. Be inspired and inspire others to quit alcohol too!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
3 Year 4 Months 17 Days Sober Together
Final score:
164points
Ingrid Renate 9 years ago
Hello, I am a journalist for the Norwegian daily Dagbladet. We were wondering if we could use the pictures you have uploaded of before/ after sobriety? It would be a part of a bigger article with multiple pictures like yours. Best regards, Ingrid Cogorno / Dagbladet
Kimberly Scheffler 7 years ago
You might want to ask for real photos that aren’t photo shopped
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Chris Conner 9 years ago
Thanks for all the kind and unkind words, my friends! I decided to take a selfie last night as an updated picture. I don't know how to share it other than make it my profile picture. You can click on it and hopefully see it. I consider the photoshopped comments compliments, thanks! To me, it isn't about losing weight or looking more attractive, this isn't a popularity contest. It's about the quality of life and positives you can find in living a sober existence and being able to share that with others who may find it appealing to do it themselves. I don't want to say I am anti-alcohol, I believe people can make their own choices and, in many instances, live better than me, even with alcohol. But let's face it, alcohol is actually poison. I poisoned myself for fun and other reasons. One thing I can say for sure...when you drink, you are only borrowing happiness from tomorrow. It will always catch up to you. Thanks and congrats go to everyone else, too!
Ingrid Renate 9 years ago
Hello, I am a journalist for the Norwegian daily Dagbladet. We were wondering if we could use the pictures you have uploaded of before/ after sobriety? It would be a part of a bigger video/article with multiple pictures like yours. Best regards, Ingrid Cogorno / Dagbladet
Load More Replies...
Kimberly Scheffler 7 years ago
Ok, show me the real after picture, just sayin, this is so photo shopped!
RELATED:
#2
1 Year Sober
Final score:
160points
Nick Lavallee (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks guys you can read my story here: http://jenhaught.blogspot.com/2016/11/one-year-sober-with-nick-lavallee.html?m=1
Arabella Atlee 9 years ago
Guys. It's 1 year sober, not 21 years. Still good, but pay attention. This is #2.
Eleana Colby 9 years ago
Any length of time sober should be celebrated. I understand what you are getting at, but let's keep in mind that this is a wonderful transformation for the mind, body, and soul...
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Danielle Cloutier 9 years ago
Is that the same guy? Guy on right is good looking! Well done, chap!
#3
5+ Years Of Sobriety
Final score:
130points
Keanu Watson 9 years ago
Wow! Ms. Russo you don't look like you're in your 30's x.x You look great!
Liz Russo (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! Healthy and happy, seems to work for me. 😚
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Liz Russo (Submission author) 9 years ago
After years of giving up the alcohol, I also became healthier in my diet and lifestyle overall. I couldn't do that while in my addiction.
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Karin Elena 9 years ago
And of course thanks to the effort you put in to keep things like that. Didn't mean to sound like I'm underplaying that.
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Liz Russo (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! I feel younger sober thats for sure.
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Panda Dover 9 years ago
All of them lost the bloated appearance. Made them younger and more awake.
#5
15 Months Sober
Final score:
123points
Kjorn 9 years ago
don't forget when people stop drinking they also change their lifestyle. great change!
Brandie Slaughter (Submission author) 9 years ago
None if it would've been possible if I hadn't gotten sober first! Love my new life!
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Davorka Banović 9 years ago
I have to say this much weight loss can't be healthy in such a small time frame, it makes me doubt the truth of this post. It would have taken much more work and lifestyle changes than just not drinking...
Oscar Cid 6 years ago
if we consider that alcohol is sugar, and it was one year, well it makes sense,,, and if she did some sport even better, 2 Kg per Month? 3 kg?
Load More Replies... Leah Underwood 9 years ago
It's a different person. In one pic she has brown eyes and in the other she has blue eyes : / still both beautiful though haha
Brandie Slaughter (Submission author) 9 years ago
I'm flattered that you would think the change was so dramatic that they are actually two different people. And my eyes are hazel btw. :)
Load More Replies... #6
1.5 Years Sober
Final score:
121points
Ingrid Renate 9 years ago
Hello, I am a journalist for the Norwegian daily Dagbladet. We were wondering if we could use the pictures you have uploaded of before/ after sobriety? It would be a part of a bigger video/article with multiple pictures like yours. Best regards, Ingrid Cogorno / Dagbladet
Jeffrey Thacker (Submission author) 9 years ago
Yes. Please send me the final copy for my records jeff@jeffthacker.com. This helps to remind me of why I work to inspire others.
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#8
1 Year Sober.
Final score:
114points
Sara Mai 9 years ago
I honestly don't know if that's really the same person but the guy in the orange Beenie is really handsome.
#9
2 Years Sober
Final score:
106points
Arabella Atlee 9 years ago
Dear people commenting thinking he was 72 years sober: No, he is younger than 72. It is two months sober. This is #7 on the list.
#10
5 Months Sober
Final score:
98points
Kelli Hyatt 8 years ago
OMG SERIOUSLY you are inspiring!!! I can't believe how much younger you look!!! Amazing YOU go girl!
#11
2 Years Sober
Final score:
77points
#12
Best Decision I Ever Made
Final score:
75points
Zacharias müller 9 years ago
it feels like the little one feels supposed to pose, but dont know how
Nay (Submission author) 9 years ago
Sober and happy and Sane and 45 lbs lighter too ☺️
Load More Replies... #13
11 Years Sober
Final score:
75points
Jonny Kast Short 6 years ago
There is NO way there is 11 years between these pics - must be a typo
Leleu Paterno 9 years ago
11 years? man, on the first pic you look like 11 years older than the second one o_O
#14
986 Days Sober
Final score:
72points
Ronja Rövardotter 9 years ago
Absolutely amazing! Great job man! You look very athletic, I guess bikinking? Superb thighs :-)) (and the dog is also gorgeous) :-)
#15
At 77 Days, I Did My 1st Half Marathon!
Final score:
68points
#16
9 Years Sober
Final score:
63points
#17
8 Months Sober
Final score:
62points
#18
1 Year Difference
Final score:
58points
Ronja Rövardotter 9 years ago
Wooow! You look about ten years younger! Amazing! Well done :) keep going!
#19
1 Year Sober
Final score:
54points
#20
6 Months Sober
Final score:
53points
#21
234 Days Sober
Final score:
52points
Dawn Haddock (Submission author) 9 years ago
Unfortunately both pics are of me. The first one was in August 2015 in active alcoholism and in the other one I'm sober and 46 lbs lighter.
Naomi Prior 8 years ago
You should never say unfortunately about yourself,life is a journey and yours is very much on the up,that photo serves to keep you motivated
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Vicki AKA v23474 9 years ago
In the first pic there is some camera glare and red eye but if you look carefully the eyes are the same colour.
Sasha Mirt 9 years ago
Ever heard of red-eye and fat tissue? If you compare her cheeks and her nose, they look the same. Chin has so much fat you can't see the original bone structure, more visible on the after photo.
Load More Replies... #22
13+ Years Sober
Final score:
47points
#23
120 Days Without A Drink
Final score:
46points
Rob Darke (Submission author) 9 years ago
And I was. It's a major adjustment after drinking heavily for 22 years.
Load More Replies... #24
151 Days Sober
Final score:
45points
Samantha P 8 years ago
Have u ever thought of shutting up?? I can't believe u!!
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#26
Sobriety Date 7/11/05
Final score:
41points
#27
15 Months Sober
Final score:
40points
Justin time 9 years ago
This is one of the biggest female transformation on here! So beautiful
Samantha P 8 years ago
Only 15 months?!?! Wow fast!! Great job!! (I mean everything in a good way)
#28
3.5 Years Sober
Final score:
40points
#29
17 Months Sober
Final score:
39points
#30
11 Months Sober (3.85 Years Now)
Final score:
36points
Christine Cornakovic 9 years ago
He looks like the hotter younger brother of the guy on the left.
#31
10 Months Down
Final score:
34points
Dorottya Hévizi 9 years ago
It might just be me, but even if they look a like, it's like they're 2 different people. The impression the pictures give is so different!
#32
2 Months Sober
Final score:
31points
GlitterGlitch 9 years ago
I dunno, how is it that I dont drink but I dont have a six pack? nad this dude quits drinking for 2 months and all of a sudden he is brad pit in fight club?
#33
1,368 Days Sober
Final score:
30points
#34
18 Months Sober
Final score:
30points
#35
21 Months Sober
Final score:
29points
#36
11 Months Sober
Final score:
29points
Iulia Draghiev 9 years ago
I'm glad you made this decision! you look confident and amazing! Keep up the amazing work!
Joe Meisner (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! It's been quite the journey but life is so much better being sober!
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#37
19 Months Sober
Final score:
28points
#38
5 Years Sober
Final score:
27points
Dorottya Hévizi 9 years ago
It's like a totally different lady! Incredible! Keep it up, Meghan!
#40
4 Years Sober
Final score:
23points
Caleb Callison (Submission author) 9 years ago
I got them scalpeled and sutured.
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Caleb Callison (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thanks I go back and forth between the beard and mustache. Beard grows in much better nowadays. I think I was like 21 in that left photo
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Pauline Pisang Susu 9 years ago
Here is how it goes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvQe66jayUo
#41
3 Year's Sober
Final score:
23points
#42
13 Months Sober
Final score:
22points
#43
5 Months Sober
Final score:
21points
Bridget Smith 9 years ago
If he's underage, it's even more important that he's taking steps to get sober. Way to go kid!!
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Jeanne Deaux 8 years ago
You look so young! Would it be inappropriate to ask you how old you were at the time? (if it is, just ignore the question).
#44
Quit Drinking 3 Years Ago. Turning 33yrs Old This Year Felt Good.
Final score:
20points
Magee Wilbur 8 years ago
Gorgeous! Isn't it amazing? this is by far the best one! I'm not brave enough to post my before picture....
#45
5 Years Sober
Final score:
19points
#46
10 Years Sober
Final score:
19points
#47
11 Months And 19 Days Sober
Final score:
19points
Joey Santos (Submission author) 9 years ago
that's where all the extra pounds went
Load More Replies... #48
3 Months Sober
Final score:
19points
#49
1,5 Years Sober
Final score:
18points
#50
21 Months Sober
Final score:
18points
#51
4 Months Sober
Final score:
17points
#52
5.25 Years Sober
Final score:
16points
#53
10 Years Sober, 2016 Vs 2006
Final score:
16points
#54
2,5 Years Without Any Alcohol. I Feel Great!
Final score:
15points
#55
1 Year Sober (I'm On The Left)
Final score:
14points
latonya rena 2 years ago
do you have pics that give a better representation of yourself while drinking? I see a more active person. We like to see facial differences and weight loss or gain.
#57
4 Years, 3 Months Clean And Sober. A Million Times Happier!
Final score:
12points
#59
1 1/2 Years ,no Beers!
Final score:
6points
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What do you think ?
Anni -Manni 9 years ago
I been sober since 2010. Have to be kind of naive if you can't have fun without alcohol. Very bad substance and I know what I'm talking about. There's no reason in the whole world to drink. Alcohol doesn't even belong in some cultures.
Marta Zytka 9 years ago
Alcohol is for people. If you can use it properly, it is not a "very bad substance". I like to have a glass of wine once in a time but I can also have fun without it. It is not alcohol itself that brings people down...
Load More Replies...
SusanS 8 years ago
HOLY OVERINDULGENCE!! These people were drinking far more than the average person to have undergone such a huge (yuuuuuuuuuge) transformation. Most people would never have lost that much weight.
Katherine Dobias 3 years ago
You'd be quite surprised how much weight you'd lose just by quitting alcohol. It's loaded with sugar. Alcohol slows down metabolism and digestion rate, makes you eat more, it also ferments in your gut, and causes a lot more sugars to grow in there. It's a hidden killer.
Load More Replies...
MizAdeleM 8 years ago
I'm sitting at my desk at work with tears in my eyes after seeing these amazing photos and reading these inspiring stories. My younger brother has been abusing cocaine and alcohol for a long time now; he looks like a street wino and 15-20 years older than is actual age. I have been hoping so badly that maybe someday, he'll crawl out of that bottle of cheap vodka and rejoin the world. He has dropped out of rehab and programs, lies about his drinking, steals from his family. All because he thinks he can take care of it himself. I would love to be able to add his photo to this collection someday, and have my baby brother back again.
MizAdeleM 7 years ago
My brother John passed away July 30, 2017 at age 55. Found dead on his kitchen floor, so I will not be adding his photo to this, alas.
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Darryl Kerrigan 8 years ago
I'm trying to put on weight. But fair play to these guys for beating alcoholism, hope they keep it up :)
James Griffin 8 years ago
Most people who are free of one addiction replace it with another,Usually something they don't even notice as an addiction (food,caffeine,cigs etc).If you don't have an addictive personality i believe you can try any vice and not do it again if you didn't want to.If you have an addictive personality you can get addicted to anything whether it be a drug ,a drink,food or a hobby.So this is very misleading as quitting drinking makes you skinny,Cause imo if anything most people gain after quitting drinking or drugs,
Katie Barnett 8 years ago
Sobriety is an awesome and difficult accomplishment but some of these photos don't even look any where near like the same ppl it's obvious in a few that the "after" picture is someone else I know sobriety does nothing but great things for your health but it isn't the same as plastic surgery
Tee Peterson 9 years ago
Congratulations to all of you! You should be very proud of yourselves and I hope you continue to enjoy long, happy and healthy lives.
Anni -Manni 9 years ago
I been sober since 2010. Have to be kind of naive if you can't have fun without alcohol. Very bad substance and I know what I'm talking about. There's no reason in the whole world to drink. Alcohol doesn't even belong in some cultures.
Marta Zytka 9 years ago
Alcohol is for people. If you can use it properly, it is not a "very bad substance". I like to have a glass of wine once in a time but I can also have fun without it. It is not alcohol itself that brings people down...
Load More Replies... SusanS 8 years ago
HOLY OVERINDULGENCE!! These people were drinking far more than the average person to have undergone such a huge (yuuuuuuuuuge) transformation. Most people would never have lost that much weight.
Katherine Dobias 3 years ago
You'd be quite surprised how much weight you'd lose just by quitting alcohol. It's loaded with sugar. Alcohol slows down metabolism and digestion rate, makes you eat more, it also ferments in your gut, and causes a lot more sugars to grow in there. It's a hidden killer.
Load More Replies... MizAdeleM 8 years ago
I'm sitting at my desk at work with tears in my eyes after seeing these amazing photos and reading these inspiring stories. My younger brother has been abusing cocaine and alcohol for a long time now; he looks like a street wino and 15-20 years older than is actual age. I have been hoping so badly that maybe someday, he'll crawl out of that bottle of cheap vodka and rejoin the world. He has dropped out of rehab and programs, lies about his drinking, steals from his family. All because he thinks he can take care of it himself. I would love to be able to add his photo to this collection someday, and have my baby brother back again.
MizAdeleM 7 years ago
My brother John passed away July 30, 2017 at age 55. Found dead on his kitchen floor, so I will not be adding his photo to this, alas.
Load More Replies... Darryl Kerrigan 8 years ago
I'm trying to put on weight. But fair play to these guys for beating alcoholism, hope they keep it up :)
James Griffin 8 years ago
Most people who are free of one addiction replace it with another,Usually something they don't even notice as an addiction (food,caffeine,cigs etc).If you don't have an addictive personality i believe you can try any vice and not do it again if you didn't want to.If you have an addictive personality you can get addicted to anything whether it be a drug ,a drink,food or a hobby.So this is very misleading as quitting drinking makes you skinny,Cause imo if anything most people gain after quitting drinking or drugs,
Katie Barnett 8 years ago
Sobriety is an awesome and difficult accomplishment but some of these photos don't even look any where near like the same ppl it's obvious in a few that the "after" picture is someone else I know sobriety does nothing but great things for your health but it isn't the same as plastic surgery
Tee Peterson 9 years ago
Congratulations to all of you! You should be very proud of yourselves and I hope you continue to enjoy long, happy and healthy lives.
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