ADVERTISEMENT

“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)

ghostbackwards Report

Add photo comments
POST
cesi_baca avatar
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

1 Year Sober

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

silverladder Report

Add photo comments
POST
shane_5 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

1.5 Years Sober

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

luscrib89 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sergiobicerra avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#9

1 Year Sober

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

Beth Leipholtz Report

ADVERTISEMENT

 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)

coolcrosby Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#18

3y 4m 17d Sober Together

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

Report

Add photo comments
POST
blueyedoll81 avatar
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

…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.
ADVERTISEMENT

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)

Report

#27

7 Months Sober

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

MDCXXX Report

#29

1 Year Sober

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

yourprettygorgeous Report

ADVERTISEMENT

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)

Report

#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)

Report

#35

2 Years.

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

Report

Add photo comments
POST
rosemarywalsh avatar
Rosemary Walsh
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#36

151 Days Sober

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

Report

Add photo comments
POST
caroline_hoxter avatar
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

21 Months Sober

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

Report

Add photo comments
POST
nat137l7_1 avatar
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

9 Years Sober

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

Report

#45

1,5 Years Sober.

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

Report

Add photo comments
POST
southernhomestay avatar
Michael Southern
Community Member
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...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#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)

Report

#52

1.5 Years Sober (100lbs Less)

1.5 Years Sober (100lbs Less)

Report

#54

1 Year Difference

1 Year Difference

Report

Add photo comments
POST
k8tirjan avatar
Katelynn Tirjan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the 1st pic is her current pic. It's the same as her profile pic.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

Best Decision I Ever Made.

Best Decision I Ever Made.

Report

#56

1 Year Sober (i'm On The Left) 😁

1 Year Sober (i'm On The Left) 😁

Report

#58

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.

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.

Report

#59

4 Months Sober

4 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
iamheatherhatton avatar
Heather Hatton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! Crazy what only 4 months will do. You look great! Keep it up.

#60

30 Years.....

30 Years.....

Report

#61

15 Months Sober

15 Months Sober

Report

#62

11 Years Sober

11 Years Sober

Report

#64

5.25 Years Sober

5.25 Years Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#66

3 Months Difference.. Left To Right.

3 Months Difference.. Left To Right.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#67

3.5 Years Sober!

3.5 Years Sober!

Report

Add photo comments
POST
jess_5 avatar
Jessica Hardy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know you! How cool you made it on Bored Panda. You look awesome and so healthy!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#69

10 Years Sober

10 Years Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#71

11 Months And 19 Days Sober

11 Months And 19 Days Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#72

10 Months Down... Fat Face Mcgee. Go Cubs!

10 Months Down... Fat Face Mcgee. Go Cubs!

Report

#73

Sober Nick

Sober Nick

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#74

4 Months Sans Booze

4 Months Sans Booze

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#75

Forstmann

Forstmann

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#76

15 Months Sober

15 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#77

3 Year's Sober

3 Year's Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#79

Sobriety Date 7/11/05

Sobriety Date 7/11/05

Report

#80

12 Years Sober

12 Years Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#81

Not All Can Want It, But If You Truly Try You Can Defeat It Or At Least Minimize It

Not All Can Want It, But If You Truly Try You Can Defeat It Or At Least Minimize It

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#85

9 Months Sober

9 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#86

21 Months Sober

21 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#87

Before And After Drinking 3 1/2 Years Sober

Before And After Drinking 3 1/2 Years Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#88

She & Him: 1715 & 1711 Days

She & Him: 1715 & 1711 Days

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#89

9 Months Sober

9 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#90

Me Haha

Me Haha

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#91

Sober Date 6.20.89 I Was 18.... 27years And Counting Odat ❤️

Sober Date 6.20.89 I Was 18.... 27years And Counting Odat ❤️

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#92

Ten Months Sober

Ten Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#95

/:

/:

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#96

David Sullivan

David Sullivan

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#98

My Last Day As An Alcoholic 8.18.14 Celebrating 2 Years 2 Months And 20 Days Sober

My Last Day As An Alcoholic 8.18.14 Celebrating 2 Years 2 Months And 20 Days Sober

Report

#100

Yuck

Yuck

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#101

Char

Char

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#102

Ми

Ми

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#103

3.38 Years Sober.

3.38 Years Sober.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#104

7 Months

7 Months

Report

#105

Before 10 Months Sober

Before 10 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#106

318 Days Sober

318 Days Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#107

Before And After 12 Days In Rehab, 2yrs Ago.

Before And After 12 Days In Rehab, 2yrs Ago.

Report

#108

Before Rehab.

Before Rehab.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#109

22.5 Months Sober

22.5 Months Sober

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#110

Me

Me

Report

#111

Hung Over

Hung Over

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#112

Before

Before

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#113

Now 17 Months!

Now 17 Months!

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#114

Me

Me

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#115

After 12 Days In Rehab! 2years Ago.

After 12 Days In Rehab! 2years Ago.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#116

Good Looking Dude 😀😂

Good Looking Dude 😀😂

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#117

Was A Heavy Binge Drinker 15 Months Ago

Was A Heavy Binge Drinker 15 Months Ago

Report

#118

1 Year Sober Before And After

1 Year Sober Before And After

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#119

Sober Since 9-9-2015

Sober Since 9-9-2015

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#120

289lbs

289lbs

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#121

289lbs

289lbs

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#122

8 Months Sober. (-70lbs)

8 Months Sober. (-70lbs)

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#123

Sober For The First Time In Ten Years

Sober For The First Time In Ten Years

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#124

7 Months Sober, So Much Less Bloated!

7 Months Sober, So Much Less Bloated!

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#125

If I Stopped Wine

If I Stopped Wine

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#126

1999 Woodstock

1999 Woodstock

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#127

Just Wanted To Read An Article

Just Wanted To Read An Article

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#128

This submission is hidden. Click here to view.

#129

This submission is hidden. Click here to view.

#130

This submission is hidden. Click here to view.