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“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.

#1

7 Months Sober

close up view of a man's face with tired eyes (left) and happy man's face (right)

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Cesi Baca
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holy cow! He looks great! All the bloating and redness have gone.

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Keith Urbowicz
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's me. Glad it's making the rounds. Anything is possible people.

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Cristi
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for you! In the first photo you look a lot like my xbf, had to leave him in the end because he wouldn´t stop drinking. So sad to see how he could´ve been...

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Samantha Miller
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! He's pretty hot. I sincerely hope he stays away from alcohol.

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Iron bods
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am going to be honest, alcohol alone does not initiate or promote weight loss. The individual has to begin to be more active, take up physical fitness and watch his/her diet. This is what creates the change in people. Example, beer has lots of nutrients which are good for the body if taken after an exercise. Whine is good for the heart, but we have to touch on the basis of all within reasonable consumption.

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David De Leon
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true. Anytime you remove something from your diet, especially a caloric dense substance like alcohol, you will initiate weight loss. Plus what we're talking about here is habitual use and or abuse of alcohol not the occasional cocktail or beer.

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CB Mendez
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I hope all aspects of his life improved, not just his appearance. 😃👍🏽

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Dragana Corvinius
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so inspiring for those who want to quit drinking. Amazing difference!!

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Tobi Guthrie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lookin' good! Feel good too I'm sure. Congratulations on a new beginning!

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Eriq Kunz
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is truly amazing. A sincere congratulations to all these people!

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Jacob Alheid
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is stolen from a reddit thread without attribution to the original content, and stolen, rehosted, and watermarked as Bored Panda. This is criminal copyright infringement.

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Steph J. Canny
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I looked at all of them and face bloating was the main thing that was improved. Their liver looked just as much better, too.

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latonya rena
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One side of your face was more droopy than the other when you were drinking... wow, its symmetrical now.

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latonya rena
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One side of your face looked more droopy than the other when you were drinking... interesting how its all symmetrical now... congrats

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Tony M
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is my favorite pic. It's inspiring. He looks incredible

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Tony Evz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im an alcoholic.. its qn awfull place 2 b... as u know.. but ive just lost my mam an dad an my gf left me for some prick she works with.. so ive hit the bottle hard... 2 bottles of whisky a day... i gkt 2 kids with her 2.. so ot kills me knowing this twat is over there with them more than me now... but end of the day, no matter how much i drink, the problems r still there in the morning... but i hope 2 get of it soon coz its slowly killing me... so well done bro... i hope i can find the strength that u got...

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Tonia Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thank this great man Lord Zakuza for he has brought me back to life after he helped me to recover my lost partner of 3 years and now we are both in love that will never come to an end. Join me to say thank you to Lord Zakuza and you can also need his help as well if necessary. Here's his contact info. WhatsApp: +1 740 573 9483, Email: lordzakuza7 @ gmail. com, Website: lordzakuzaspells.com

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Renee Parrinello
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's wonderful! As a former substance abuse worker, sometimes noticing a difference in appearance can really encourage someone to stay sober.

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Julie Bartee
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a weight loss commercial. No offense to these brave, awesome and beautiful people who are sober!! However - weight loss....... maybe pick at least one or two like me. I drank so much I never ate. Weighed 92 pounds. I know weigh about 105 pounds and look WAY better! Give a true perspective instead of just weight loss. :)

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Hilary Russell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow ! There aren't enough compliments to encompass what you look like- Gorgeous. And that covers not ONLY THR OUTSIDE, but the inside bc deciding to get sober, then be sober, then stay sober is one of the hardest and most celebrated experiences you can have in your life. Congratulations.

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Virginia Whinyates
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lose half your body weight, get a good grooming, drop several inches collar size, smile on the other side of your mouth, look at camera instead of at the end of your nose, soften the lighting. Yeh. That does it.

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Lisa Jones
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks amazing. His eyes r so bright n sparkly now. Well done u. Thats a massive achievement ☺

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Steve Howe
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm impressed that the grey has gone from the beard and moustache - or is that a side effect of going ginger? :-)

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Aundre Speciale
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tequila for the win! http://www.latintimes.com/drinking-tequila-can-help-you-lose-weight-according-scientists-314939

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Sherri Mckenzie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NOW . . . You are very Handsome. You barely look like that other guy. Keep up the good work.! You are an inspiration for many.

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Brenda Fraser
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture on the left looks like the picture on the rights Dad! OMG!

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Sally Brite
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bhahaha. I was downvoted for mentioning the angle and the lighting were different. Well, I forgot to mention that on the 'after' picture his beard was trimmed too. Go ahead, downvote. That'll teach me to be objective!

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Maria Dambrosio Trouville
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!!! Amazing! Keep up the amazing work! You are an inspiration to so many!!!!

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Maria Dambrosio Trouville
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! Amazing! Congrats!!!! Keep up the amazing work! An inspiration to so many!

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Alexa Leigh
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations! You look great! Happy 7 month sober birthday! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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Andie Mitchell
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow! he is really handsome without the booze, hope he sees these pics!

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Monika Georgieva
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! Man, you're an inspiration, and example of inner strength, although I've never drink, because I don't like the taste of alcohol and am allergic hereditary to it. But I've struggled bad obsessions and can relate - everything is possible. Aaand you truly are a beautiful looking man :)

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Sharon Mcclay
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some difference,there was a good looking guy hiding behind the alcohol,well done to him :)

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Jonathan Alan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um one photo he his up close, unkept in bad lighting.....the other he is trimmed, has a haircut and is in a much better light....come on people

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Sally Brite
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would like to see him photographed at same angle and lighting.

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#2

1 Year Sober

tired man's face (left) and good looking man's face (right)

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Shane Watson
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for sharing this. By the way, I'm coming up on five years sober (11/29/16). -Shane (Silverladder) fouryearss...b5e167.jpg fouryearssober-5819058b5e167.jpg

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#6

1.5 Years Sober

man's face in glasses (left) and good looking man (right)

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Sergio Bicerra
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the fact there is someone's hand in the first pict, like suportting hi

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#9

1 Year Sober

full woman in a sundress (left) and fit woman in a sundress with her hands on hips (right)

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 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

7 Years Sober

swollen man's face (left) and smiling old man with glasses (right)

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#18

3y 4m 17d Sober Together

plump faces of man and woman (left) and young smiling pair (right)

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blueyedoll81 avatar
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! It literally saved his life and allowed both of us to have a life worth living.

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…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.
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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.

#23

At 11 Months Sober (3.85 Years Now)

smiling man in glasses in shirt (left) and thin smiling man in glasses and in shirt with tie (right)

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#27

7 Months Sober

smiling couple (left) and smiling thin boy in dark glasses (right)

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#29

1 Year Sober

woman's face with freckles (left) and smiling woman (right)

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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.

#32

5 Months Sober

boy's face with piercing (left) and boy's face in glasses (right)

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#34

What A Difference 5+ Years Of Sobriety Makes! Sober Date: January 16, 2011. #recoveryrocks #iamtheevidence #gratitude

close up view of woman's face (left) and thin woman's face (right)

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#35

2 Years.

man standing near the girl (left) and thing man taking selfie with a girl (right)

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Rosemary Walsh
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My father FINALLY became sober. I will always wish he had done it when I was a young girl.

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#36

151 Days Sober

close up view of man's beard face (left) and man jumping under the waterfall (right)

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Caroline Hoxter
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#37

21 Months Sober

plump face of a woman with a short haircut (left) and woman's face with piercing in her nose (right)

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Natalie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love your tattoos girl - haters always gonna hate - keep moving n brush your proud shoulders off! Beautiful

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#44

9 Years Sober

swollen woman's face (left) and smiling woman (right)

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#45

1,5 Years Sober.

smiling woman with freckles (left) and smiling woman (right)

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Michael Southern
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7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking the photo on the left is the after photo, and the one on the right is the before photo! Just possibly...

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#46

13 Months Sober .. Not Only Did I Stop Alcohol And All Non Aa Substance I Also Stopped Drinking Soda.

smiling woman with red hair and tattoo on the hand (left) and smiling woman in a swimming costume (right)

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#50

8 Months Sober

swollen man's face (left) and thin man's face with piercing (right)

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Note: this post originally had 130 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.