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59 Before & After Pics That Show What Happens When You Stop Drinking
“Everything in moderation” is a pretty good rule to live by, especially where alcohol is concerned. The obvious effects of alcohol on the body are high blood pressure (hypertension), which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke, liver damage, and increased risk of cancers.
Another not-so-noticeable effect of a drinking problem is that sipping too many Margaritas can also cause you to gain a bunch of excess pounds. There are roughly 200 calories in a pint of beer and about 230 calories in 100 grams of vodka.
When a heavy drinker gives up on alcohol abuse, the physical metamorphosis can be staggering. Take a look at these before and after pictures of individuals in alcohol recovery to see what we mean.
Some of the people in the photographs are barely recognizable compared to their former selves, and while some complemented the alcohol rehab process with exercise, the benefits of quitting drinking can't be clearer by looking at these pictures.
How Does Your Body Change in One Year Sober?
A year of sobriety can bring about positive changes in the body. If you’ve ever seen photos of alcoholics before and after quitting the vice, you’ll see a clear glow-up in their faces (and bodies). Often, they look fitter, healthier, and, most importantly, happier. However, these benefits come with their own set of problems. Stick around to learn more about the struggles of withdrawal and the eventual rewards.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Beard Chronicles
RELATED:
#2
Caught Between Two Worlds
Shane Watson 9 years ago
Thanks for sharing this. By the way, I'm coming up on five years sober (11/29/16). -Shane (Silverladder) fouryearss...b5e167.jpg 
#3
Transformation Vibes Only
#4
Not Quite the Same Day
#5
From Chaos to Class
#6
Glow Up Goals
Sergio Bicerra 9 years ago
I love the fact there is someone's hand in the first pict, like suportting hi
#7
Same Shirt, Different Chapter
#8
Two Drinks, One Transformation
#9
Same Dress, New Vibes
Koen Vleminckx 9 years ago
And that's just the outside. Imagine what it did to their brain ad liver.
#10
Glow-Up Chronicles
First Comes the Hard Part…
We all love a glow-up story, especially when it involves fighting inner demons. In this post, the demon at hand is alcohol, a challenge many people face. And the hardest part of fighting them? The after-effects of quitting. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can vary from person to person. The National Library of Medicine (NIH) has published a study describing some of the more common ones.
- Irritability
- Tremors
- Anxiety
In rare cases, more severe symptoms appear. In these situations, a person can experience:
- Delirium tremors (DT) (can last 3 to 4 days)
- Hallucinosis (can last 1 to 2 days)
- Seizures (can last 1 to 2 days)
In all cases, the first 72 hours will be the hardest. As the body rids itself of alcohol, an increasing number of withdrawal symptoms will manifest. However, if a person can endure this initial period, the benefits will be visible quite quickly.
#11
From Serious to Smiling
#12
Glow Up Goals
#13
Before and After Wins
#14
Glow Up Vibes
#15
Same Shirt, New Game
#16
Glow-Up Chronicles
#17
Spot The Upgrade
#18
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
138points
Tonya Raleigh (Submission author) 9 years ago
Thank you! It literally saved his life and allowed both of us to have a life worth living.
#19
From Casual To Confident
#20
Glow Up Guaranteed
…Better Health Comes Second.
After a year of abstinence, the developed symptoms of alcoholism before and after quitting get replaced by healthy benefits. Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, also known as the Center for Alcohol & Drug Studies, discussed some benefits of long-term sobriety.
- Improved skin. A sober face often appears more youthful, bright, and glowy.
- Mental clarity. Like other drugs, alcohol plays with the chemicals within your body. When you quit drinking, the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin normalize, leading to improved cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall mental well-being.
- Weight change. The “Beer belly” phenomenon is real. Thank the high-calorie content in alcoholic beverages. By cutting out alcohol, you can significantly reduce your calorie intake.
- Better sleep. Like nicotine, alcohol can induce insomnia.
While we’ve listed only four, there are many more benefits to enjoy in sobriety. And judging from the faces of now-sober people, it’s worth the price.
#21
From Lumberjack To Lounge Look
Final score:
95points
#24
Glow-Up Goals
Final score:
84points
#25
Glow Up Goals
#26
Glow-Up Vibes Only
#27
Couples That Slay Together
#28
Cheers And Greetings
#29
Candid vs. Curated Glow-Up
#30
Morning vs. Night Mood Shift
Early Intervention Can Help
Early intervention can make all the difference. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, early prevention seeks to inform individuals about the harm, symptoms of withdrawal and strategies for reducing alcohol use. As long as the person knows there is still hope for recovery, an intervention will usually lead to positive outcomes.
Since facing a problem head-on can be daunting, that extra push or support can go a long way. There are support groups that try to help individuals drop the vice through group sessions and therapy. While we might know the more famous Alcoholics Anonymous, there are more alcohol addiction support groups a person can choose from.
#31
Transformation in Progress
Final score:
65points
#32
Flip The Script
Final score:
63points
Zugga aka Pia Isabell 9 years ago
Look really young .. all you need is a smile on that healty new face :0)
#33
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
62points
#35
From Ties To Tees
Final score:
59points
Rosemary Walsh 9 years ago
My father FINALLY became sober. I will always wish he had done it when I was a young girl.
#36
From Hospital Gown to Waterfall Crown
Final score:
47points
Caroline Hoxter 9 years ago
Good for you! On the left you are in a hospital bed. On the right you are fit and healthy. You should be very proud!! You rock, keep it up.
#38
From Casual To Corporate
Final score:
42points
#40
From Couch to Course
Final score:
40points
#41
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
40points
#42
Glow-Up Chronicles
Final score:
39points
#43
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
39points
#44
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
38points
#45
Sunshine And Shade
Final score:
35points
Michael Southern 9 years ago
I'm thinking the photo on the left is the after photo, and the one on the right is the before photo! Just possibly...
#46
Tattooed and Thriving
Final score:
35points
Christina Brault 9 years ago
You're so happy and making so many things happen! So stoked for you girl!
#47
From Couch Potato to Contour King
Final score:
34points
#48
From Furry Friends to Game Day Vibes
Final score:
28points
#49
Glow Up Vibes
Final score:
27points
#50
Glow-Up Level Unlocked
Final score:
25points
#51
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
23points
#52
Progress You Can See
Final score:
21points
#53
Flipside Fitness Stories
Final score:
21points
#54
Unexpected Transformations
Final score:
20points
Katelynn Tirjan 9 years ago
I think the 1st pic is her current pic. It's the same as her profile pic.
#56
Mud, Sweat, And Smiles
Final score:
19points
#58
Wave Chaser vs. Trailblazer
Final score:
18points
#59
Quiet Confidence Unfiltered
Final score:
17points
#60
Retro Shades, Modern Vibes
Final score:
15points
Michelle Turner 9 years ago
I dont have a picture but I am hitting my 25th year! Bravo Sister!!
#62
From Rocker to River Rat
Final score:
14points
#63
Glow-Up Goals
Final score:
13points
#65
Legends Wear Many Colors
Final score:
12points
#66
Two Sides of Chill
Final score:
11points
#67
From Wild Nights to Filtered Days
Final score:
11points
Jessica Hardy 9 years ago
I know you! How cool you made it on Bored Panda. You look awesome and so healthy!
#68
Beard to Mustache Switch-Up
Final score:
11points
#70
Sweet Victory Moments
Final score:
10points
#71
Beard Game Level Up
Final score:
10points
#72
Hat Game Strong
Final score:
10points
#78
Glow Up Chronicles
Final score:
7points
#79
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
7points
#82
Glow Up Marathon
Final score:
6points
#83
Ready for the Ride
Final score:
6points
#85
Subtle Shades of Bold
Final score:
5points
#89
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
5points
#93
Glow Up Alert
Final score:
4points
#94
Silent Treatment Chronicles
Final score:
3points
#97
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
3points
#99
From Couch To Contour
Final score:
3points
#104
Glow Up Goals
Final score:
2points
#109
Transformation Vibes
Final score:
1point
#110
Classic With A Twist
Final score:
0points
#117
Before and After Reality Check
Final score:
0points
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What do you think ?
iblowsheep 9 years ago
okay how about renaming this as "What happens when you reduce your caloric intake and/or get more exercise". i know plenty of skinny drunks.
Nora Elisabeth 9 years ago
Guys, WHY on earth are you focusing on their weight??? It is so not about about that. It is about their health. look at their skin, eyes, their much healthier look. In all of these before and after pictures all I see are happier, healthier people, who have more life energy and look actually like they enjoy life. My dad is VERY skinny drunk... only one week of not drinking makes a HUGE difference. He gains weight, he looks much younger, his eyes radiate happiness, his mind is sharper. He simply looks human again. So get over your petty fat-non fat views, because weight is not the point here whatsoever.
Arjan 9 years ago
Looks like the men learn to shave after getting sober and they all of them lose weight. The photo quality also seems to get a lot better :p
Bobby Fasulo 9 years ago
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of sobriety transform him for the better, both spiritually and physically.
Load More Replies...
iblowsheep 9 years ago
okay how about renaming this as "What happens when you reduce your caloric intake and/or get more exercise". i know plenty of skinny drunks.
Nora Elisabeth 9 years ago
Guys, WHY on earth are you focusing on their weight??? It is so not about about that. It is about their health. look at their skin, eyes, their much healthier look. In all of these before and after pictures all I see are happier, healthier people, who have more life energy and look actually like they enjoy life. My dad is VERY skinny drunk... only one week of not drinking makes a HUGE difference. He gains weight, he looks much younger, his eyes radiate happiness, his mind is sharper. He simply looks human again. So get over your petty fat-non fat views, because weight is not the point here whatsoever.
Arjan 9 years ago
Looks like the men learn to shave after getting sober and they all of them lose weight. The photo quality also seems to get a lot better :p
Bobby Fasulo 9 years ago
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of sobriety transform him for the better, both spiritually and physically.
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