“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.
7 Months Sober
That's me. Glad it's making the rounds. Anything is possible people.
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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Wow! He's pretty hot. I sincerely hope he stays away from alcohol.
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.
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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This is so inspiring for those who want to quit drinking. Amazing difference!!
Lookin' good! Feel good too I'm sure. Congratulations on a new beginning!
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.
I looked at all of them and face bloating was the main thing that was improved. Their liver looked just as much better, too.
One side of your face was more droopy than the other when you were drinking... wow, its symmetrical now.
One side of your face looked more droopy than the other when you were drinking... interesting how its all symmetrical now... congrats
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...
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
That's wonderful! As a former substance abuse worker, sometimes noticing a difference in appearance can really encourage someone to stay sober.
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. :)
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.
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.
He looks amazing. His eyes r so bright n sparkly now. Well done u. Thats a massive achievement ☺
I'm impressed that the grey has gone from the beard and moustache - or is that a side effect of going ginger? :-)
Tequila for the win! http://www.latintimes.com/drinking-tequila-can-help-you-lose-weight-according-scientists-314939
NOW . . . You are very Handsome. You barely look like that other guy. Keep up the good work.! You are an inspiration for many.
The picture on the left looks like the picture on the rights Dad! OMG!
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!
Wow!!! Amazing! Keep up the amazing work! You are an inspiration to so many!!!!
Wow!! Amazing! Congrats!!!! Keep up the amazing work! An inspiration to so many!
Now is this like he was drinking everyday or like a weekend binge drinker
wow! he is really handsome without the booze, hope he sees these pics!
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 :)
Some difference,there was a good looking guy hiding behind the alcohol,well done to him :)
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
1 Year Sober
Thanks for sharing this. By the way, I'm coming up on five years sober (11/29/16). -Shane (Silverladder) fouryearss...b5e167.jpg 
8.5 Months Sober
6 Months Sober
1.5 Years Sober
1.5 Years Sober
I love the fact there is someone's hand in the first pict, like suportting hi
300 Days Sober
1 Year Sober
1 Year Sober
And that's just the outside. Imagine what it did to their brain ad liver.
5 Years Sober
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.
7 Years Sober
99 Days Sober
1 Year Sober
1 Year Sober
6 Months Sober
156 Days Sober
500 Days Sober
3y 4m 17d Sober Together
Thank you! It literally saved his life and allowed both of us to have a life worth living.
95 Days Sober
1 Year Sober
…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.
4 Years Sober
1 Year Sober
77 Days Sober
7 Months Sober
1 Year Sober
1 Year Sober
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.
120 Days Without A Drink
5 Months Sober
Look really young .. all you need is a smile on that healty new face :0)
5 Months Sober.
What A Difference 5+ Years Of Sobriety Makes! Sober Date: January 16, 2011. #recoveryrocks #iamtheevidence #gratitude
2 Years.
My father FINALLY became sober. I will always wish he had done it when I was a young girl.
151 Days Sober
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.
2 Years
19 Months Sober
17 Months Sober
1,368 Days Sober
15 Months Sober
9 Years Sober
1,5 Years Sober.
I'm thinking the photo on the left is the after photo, and the one on the right is the before photo! Just possibly...
13 Months Sober .. Not Only Did I Stop Alcohol And All Non Aa Substance I Also Stopped Drinking Soda.
You're so happy and making so many things happen! So stoked for you girl!
Before And ~6 Monthsish
8 Months Sober
5 Years Sober
1.5 Years Sober (100lbs Less)
One Step At A Time
1 Year Difference
I think the 1st pic is her current pic. It's the same as her profile pic.
1 Year Sober (i'm On The Left) 😁
Before In Late 2011, Trying To Moderate. Got Sober 8/19/2012. After Is In August Of 2016. 45lbs Lighter + My Bp Without Meds Was 196/92, Now It Is 118/62.
4 Months Sober
30 Years.....
I dont have a picture but I am hitting my 25th year! Bravo Sister!!
11 Years Sober
13+ Years Sober Whollysober.com
1 Year Sober!
3 Months Difference.. Left To Right.
3.5 Years Sober!
I know you! How cool you made it on Bored Panda. You look awesome and so healthy!
4 Years Sober
5 Years!
11 Months And 19 Days Sober
10 Months Down... Fat Face Mcgee. Go Cubs!
18 Months!
Sobriety Date 7/11/05
Not All Can Want It, But If You Truly Try You Can Defeat It Or At Least Minimize It
At 77 Days, I Did My 1st Half Marathon!
986 Days Sober!
9 Months Sober
9 Months Sober
Sober Date 6.20.89 I Was 18.... 27years And Counting Odat ❤️
928 Days Sober
Second Day Sober ;)
9 Months Sober
My Last Day As An Alcoholic 8.18.14 Celebrating 2 Years 2 Months And 20 Days Sober
10 Months Sober
7 Months
22.5 Months Sober
Me
Was A Heavy Binge Drinker 15 Months 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.
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.
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
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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I've been a drinker and I've been sober. I saw this type of transformation in a friend after he got stopped for a DUI and quit. For myself, it didn't happen. I stopped drinking and didn't look any different but more important, I didn't FEEL any better. I didn't feel any difference. 'Everything in moderation' is a good rule to live by. But there is an innate need in humans to seek a higher state. Alcohol or drugs give a taste. It's my belief that we enter that state when we die.
Yes getting sober is mostly transformative when you are an alcoholic otherwise there would obviously be not much difference. Or there are other problems to be taken care of or unrelated issues. Clearly if you are counting the days of sobriety you got an issue. Anyone who sobers up from a drinking problem is likely to look much healthier because they are much healthier.
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Um...I'm 25yrs sober and I've gotten fatter. Sobriety can take off pounds but it's not a weight loss or prettification plan.
All those people look so much healthier and happier and most important so much more confident! Their strength and success is inspiring. Congrats on taking the steps towards a better you!
<3 there are comments here that are pretty defensive, but also true. Like " I know skinny drunks..." but in my own experience, if I drink, I miss the gym for 3+ days. AND I know that alcohol slows/prevents/drains vitamin C and folic acid (muscles like folic acid to become more flexible from what I understand). SO, I don't think this is a pushy article to stop drinking, it is just saying that not drinking has been a factor to these people getting healthier.
Everyone looks younger after they stopped drinking. I hope this serves as an inspiration for those who are still struggling.
Many looked less flushed, most looked less puffy and almost all looked more connected.
I wish I had photos of before I got sober and the year after, the improvement was obvious; but now at 16 year clean I am more focused on age
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of his physical and spiritual transformation through sobriety.
Amazing love how these people have the "light" in their eyes after sobriety xxx
Funny how your facial hair in these either disappears totally or really trims its self up after u stop drinking. Good job all of u still, that's a hard life to live.
Some comments are about the persons loosing weight, but there are a lot of calories in alkohol, so it is not surprising, but what surprised me was how much more glad they look in the after photos.
Everybody’s eyes look so much more alive, and even if they aren’t smiling they look so happy and content. Good for you!!! 💕💕
it's all in the eyes and skin. The skin plumps up quite a lot when sober and you look WAY better.
slimmer but so what? still getting older... self-satisfied smirk is unsatisfactory substitute for seasoned soul
Interesting ....#7 must have bought s tshirt exactly the same in a smaller size
It appears that the before pics are blurred and the after ones are sharper and somewhat filtered. But congrats to all
I gave up drinking like two years ago, but I never think so much about how much time has passed since. So I'm confused if someone says 1175 days sober or 3.85 years sober. It appears to me as if they still struggle a lot with this.
What did they stop drinking? Food? I dont drink for 12 years now, but nope, still not skinny.... I guess they used the spare drinking time to exercise.
What did they stop drinking? Food? Yeah, they probably started exercising with that plenty of free time. Well, I dont drink for about 12 years now, but nope, still not skinny.
This has been the most touching post I've seen. I have/am struggling with alcohol I did 4 months sober and lost 40 lbs. I relapsed and it took a tear but I gained every pound back. This helps me see what was and how easy it can be to get back to being healthy if I give up alcohol.
You don't have to quit drinking. Just don't drink All HE TIME.Sjouldbt have to explain
As alcoholics we can't stop like normal people.. Trust me we have all tried. Once we get that first one we want more, and more, and more. I used to tell myself just one or just two and 9 hours later still be at the bar even after walking out. The alcoholic mind can not stop. It is a disease and our only defense is to not take the first sip.
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Is there a significance to wearing the same thing in the "after" photo? I'm not trying to be funny.
Just makes it easier to see the difference, and kills any comments of "Oh it's just better clothes/lighting/etc.
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I never stop drinking! You need to stay hydrated! Oww wait... you mean alcohol?
Ya sure their beards fell right off and they had to get glasses and look ten years younger
That's one bad post, BoredPanda :) Read the comments if you don't understand why.
I’m Kate from Sunny Glassware Co., Ltd., we are a one of leading glassware suppliers of glass jar, glass dish,glass oil bottle,shot glass cup, vase, candle holder, stemware,ashtray,tabkeware,driking glass,etc.in China. Welcome to contact me, if you need it. Best Regards Kate Chen | Sales Shenzhen Sunny Glassware Co., Ltd. Skype: sunnyglassware033 Mobile: + 86 13710479011 E-mail: sales35@sunnyglassware.com Tel: + 86 755 25643415 / 25643419 / 25643426 ext：604 Fax: +86 755 25431456 Web: www.sunnyglassware.com www.okcandle.com www.globalsources.com/sunnyga.co Company video https://youtu.be/wYSXWY6DArA Address: 5/F,No.4 Buxin Business Building, No. 188 Renxin Road, Buxin, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China 518019
Trying to slip in free ads is disgraceful, Kate, diou Zhungguoren di lian, qing bu yao zai gao.
Load More Replies... 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.
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.
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
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... I've been a drinker and I've been sober. I saw this type of transformation in a friend after he got stopped for a DUI and quit. For myself, it didn't happen. I stopped drinking and didn't look any different but more important, I didn't FEEL any better. I didn't feel any difference. 'Everything in moderation' is a good rule to live by. But there is an innate need in humans to seek a higher state. Alcohol or drugs give a taste. It's my belief that we enter that state when we die.
Yes getting sober is mostly transformative when you are an alcoholic otherwise there would obviously be not much difference. Or there are other problems to be taken care of or unrelated issues. Clearly if you are counting the days of sobriety you got an issue. Anyone who sobers up from a drinking problem is likely to look much healthier because they are much healthier.
Load More Replies... Um...I'm 25yrs sober and I've gotten fatter. Sobriety can take off pounds but it's not a weight loss or prettification plan.
All those people look so much healthier and happier and most important so much more confident! Their strength and success is inspiring. Congrats on taking the steps towards a better you!
<3 there are comments here that are pretty defensive, but also true. Like " I know skinny drunks..." but in my own experience, if I drink, I miss the gym for 3+ days. AND I know that alcohol slows/prevents/drains vitamin C and folic acid (muscles like folic acid to become more flexible from what I understand). SO, I don't think this is a pushy article to stop drinking, it is just saying that not drinking has been a factor to these people getting healthier.
Everyone looks younger after they stopped drinking. I hope this serves as an inspiration for those who are still struggling.
Many looked less flushed, most looked less puffy and almost all looked more connected.
I wish I had photos of before I got sober and the year after, the improvement was obvious; but now at 16 year clean I am more focused on age
This guy is my friend and I've personally watched the miracle of his physical and spiritual transformation through sobriety.
Amazing love how these people have the "light" in their eyes after sobriety xxx
Funny how your facial hair in these either disappears totally or really trims its self up after u stop drinking. Good job all of u still, that's a hard life to live.
Some comments are about the persons loosing weight, but there are a lot of calories in alkohol, so it is not surprising, but what surprised me was how much more glad they look in the after photos.
Everybody’s eyes look so much more alive, and even if they aren’t smiling they look so happy and content. Good for you!!! 💕💕
it's all in the eyes and skin. The skin plumps up quite a lot when sober and you look WAY better.
slimmer but so what? still getting older... self-satisfied smirk is unsatisfactory substitute for seasoned soul
Interesting ....#7 must have bought s tshirt exactly the same in a smaller size
It appears that the before pics are blurred and the after ones are sharper and somewhat filtered. But congrats to all
I gave up drinking like two years ago, but I never think so much about how much time has passed since. So I'm confused if someone says 1175 days sober or 3.85 years sober. It appears to me as if they still struggle a lot with this.
What did they stop drinking? Food? I dont drink for 12 years now, but nope, still not skinny.... I guess they used the spare drinking time to exercise.
What did they stop drinking? Food? Yeah, they probably started exercising with that plenty of free time. Well, I dont drink for about 12 years now, but nope, still not skinny.
This has been the most touching post I've seen. I have/am struggling with alcohol I did 4 months sober and lost 40 lbs. I relapsed and it took a tear but I gained every pound back. This helps me see what was and how easy it can be to get back to being healthy if I give up alcohol.
You don't have to quit drinking. Just don't drink All HE TIME.Sjouldbt have to explain
As alcoholics we can't stop like normal people.. Trust me we have all tried. Once we get that first one we want more, and more, and more. I used to tell myself just one or just two and 9 hours later still be at the bar even after walking out. The alcoholic mind can not stop. It is a disease and our only defense is to not take the first sip.
Load More Replies... Is there a significance to wearing the same thing in the "after" photo? I'm not trying to be funny.
Just makes it easier to see the difference, and kills any comments of "Oh it's just better clothes/lighting/etc.
Load More Replies... I never stop drinking! You need to stay hydrated! Oww wait... you mean alcohol?
Ya sure their beards fell right off and they had to get glasses and look ten years younger
That's one bad post, BoredPanda :) Read the comments if you don't understand why.
I’m Kate from Sunny Glassware Co., Ltd., we are a one of leading glassware suppliers of glass jar, glass dish,glass oil bottle,shot glass cup, vase, candle holder, stemware,ashtray,tabkeware,driking glass,etc.in China. Welcome to contact me, if you need it. Best Regards Kate Chen | Sales Shenzhen Sunny Glassware Co., Ltd. Skype: sunnyglassware033 Mobile: + 86 13710479011 E-mail: sales35@sunnyglassware.com Tel: + 86 755 25643415 / 25643419 / 25643426 ext：604 Fax: +86 755 25431456 Web: www.sunnyglassware.com www.okcandle.com www.globalsources.com/sunnyga.co Company video https://youtu.be/wYSXWY6DArA Address: 5/F,No.4 Buxin Business Building, No. 188 Renxin Road, Buxin, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China 518019
Trying to slip in free ads is disgraceful, Kate, diou Zhungguoren di lian, qing bu yao zai gao.
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