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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

Before and after comparison of a man showing changes after stopping drinking.

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Cesi Baca
Community Member
8 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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    #2

    1 Year Sober

    Man showing before-and-after transformation after quitting drinking, appearing healthier and more vibrant in the after photo.

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    Shane Watson
    Community Member
    8 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

    Before and after images showing changes from stopping drinking.

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    #9

    1 Year Sober

    Before-and-after photo showing changes when you stop drinking, featuring a woman in a pink dress.

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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.

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    #18

    3y 4m 17d Sober Together

    Couple transformation after quitting drinking, showcasing significant positive changes in appearance.

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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.

    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.

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    #23

    At 11 Months Sober (3.85 Years Now)

    Before and after photos showing changes when you stop drinking, featuring a man in similar outfits but visibly different.

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    #27

    7 Months Sober

    Person showing before-and-after effects of quitting alcohol, smiling with a friend and posing by a red car.

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    #29

    1 Year Sober

    Before and after photos showing the impact of quitting drinking, highlighting positive changes in appearance.

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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

    Before-and-after images showing transformation after quitting drinking, featuring a person with and without glasses.

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    #34

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

    Before and after photos showing effects of quitting drinking on a woman's appearance and mood.

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    #35

    2 Years.

    Before-and-after image of a man with his daughter showing changes after stopping drinking.

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    Rosemary Walsh
    Community Member
    8 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

    Before-and-after images of a man showing transformation after stopping drinking, from hospital bed to joyful under waterfall.

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    Caroline Hoxter
    Community Member
    8 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

    Before-and-after image showing changes when you stop drinking, featuring a person with different hairstyles and expressions.

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    Natalie
    Community Member
    8 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

    Before-and-after photo showing the effects of stopping drinking, with noticeable positive changes in appearance.

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    #45

    1,5 Years Sober.

    Before-and-after photos of a woman showing the positive effects of stopping drinking.

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    Michael Southern
    Community Member
    8 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.

    Before-and-after image of a woman showing the effects of stopping drinking, with visible changes in appearance and setting.

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    #54

    1 Year Difference

    1 Year Difference

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    Katelynn Tirjan
    Community Member
    8 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.

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    #55

    Best Decision I Ever Made.

    Best Decision I Ever Made.

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    #56

    1 Year Sober (i'm On The Left) 😁

    1 Year Sober (i'm On The Left) 😁

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    #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.

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    #59

    4 Months Sober

    4 Months Sober

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    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.....

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    #61

    15 Months Sober

    15 Months Sober

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    #62

    11 Years Sober

    11 Years Sober

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    #64

    5.25 Years Sober

    5.25 Years Sober

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    #66

    3 Months Difference.. Left To Right.

    3 Months Difference.. Left To Right.

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    #67

    3.5 Years Sober!

    3.5 Years Sober!

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    Jessica Hardy
    Community Member
    8 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!

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    #69

    10 Years Sober

    10 Years Sober

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    #71

    11 Months And 19 Days Sober

    11 Months And 19 Days Sober

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    #72

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

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

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    #73

    Sober Nick

    Sober Nick

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    #74

    4 Months Sans Booze

    4 Months Sans Booze

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    #75

    Forstmann

    Forstmann

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    #76

    15 Months Sober

    15 Months Sober

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    #77

    3 Year's Sober

    3 Year's Sober

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    #79

    Sobriety Date 7/11/05

    Sobriety Date 7/11/05

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    #80

    12 Years Sober

    12 Years Sober

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    #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

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    #85

    9 Months Sober

    9 Months Sober

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    #86

    21 Months Sober

    21 Months Sober

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    #87

    Before And After Drinking 3 1/2 Years Sober