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Drug addiction is a very serious problem that afflicts many people around the world. Whatever the reasons for using drugs in the first place, it’s important to stop. Your health, your life and the happiness of your loved ones depend on it.

To serve as a fount of inspiration that absolutely anything (and everything) is possible in life, Bored Panda has compiled this list of the most spectacular, majestic and amazing transformations of people who quit doing heroin, meth, and other drugs. Take a long look at these before & after photos, share them with your friends, and let us know which transformations you feel are the most drastic. Make sure to scroll down and read our interview about drug addiction with a representative from 'Transform'. After you’re done browsing this post, have a look at our previous lists of other stunning before & after transformations of people who quit drugs, as well as what happens to people when they stop drinking alcohol.

#1

I'm A Living Example That Even Though I Went To Hell And Back, There Is Still Hope

I'm A Living Example That Even Though I Went To Hell And Back, There Is Still Hope

I'm 30-years-old. I have been battling addiction since I started steroids when I was 19-years-old. I was in prison for 14 months in the state of Ceara in Brazil. I was raised by a fantastic family and there were no signs of this upcoming battle while growing up. I developed an addiction while competing in bodybuilding. Steriods, amphetamine, and cocaine. Last year I was smoking crack on a daily basis. I was the arrogant know-it-all type and I was quite angry, for what reason, I still don't know. But, the emptiness inside was always there until I went to rehab on 5/27/19. Today, I am 78 days sober. I'm humble, because I set my pride aside and asked for help. It saved my life

theaddictsdiary Report

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Tina Hugh
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You look great. Amazing transformation. You look like you can turn that 78 days into 78 years. I wish you well.

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#2

Kimberly "Ain't Nobody Got Time For That" Wilkins Overcame Her Drug Addiction

Kimberly "Ain't Nobody Got Time For That" Wilkins Overcame Her Drug Addiction

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#3

12 Years Free From Active Addiction

12 Years Free From Active Addiction

The picture on the left is me at 22 years old, already in my first methadone clinic. While on a cocktail of that, pills, and whiskey, discovered a windshield with my face. 15 years of alcohol and drugs. In the end, I was homeless, a thief, derelict, degrading myself, not bathing or taking care of simple hygiene. I felt hopeless and would pray to God to die in my sleep every night.

To avoid prison, I went to yet another rehab. This time I was so tired I listened. This time I tried the suggestions. I didn't believe any of it would work for me, but I didn't want to use anymore. I found a spark of hope, and eventually recovery. This isn't about willpower, weakness, or bad judgment. This is the disease of addiction.

The picture on the right is me today at 45 years old. I own a home, a car, have a family, friends, a great job, and most importantly - peace. I'm proud of the person I am today, and I never thought I'd say that. I didn't think I'd live to see 30.

I post this to hopefully give hope to any of my fellow imgurians that struggle with addiction. There IS life on the other side. There IS hope. If a junkie like me can do it, anyone can. I don't do this alone. Support is imperative, and not using dope no matter what happens

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Luis Milian
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at 45 you look younger than you did from the picture on the left. great job.

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It’s hard to believe that some of these transformations are real because the changes that giving up drugs have wrought are major. It just goes to show that even drastic changes are possible with the right support, a good dose of willpower and an airtight plan of action.

#4

At The Age Of 18, I Started Injecting Heroin And Meth Into My Body

At The Age Of 18, I Started Injecting Heroin And Meth Into My Body

“Two years later, I was diagnosed with HIV because of my drug use. 
That caused me to go further down the rabbit hole. 
At age 25, on December 12th, I was left in an ally to overdose and die! .... BUT by the grace of God a woman found me and happened to have Narcan. 
On December 17th, I decided to get clean. 
I've now been sober for 17 months and 15 days. 
I am living proof that Narcan is not enabling or a waste of money. 
I am living proof that we do recover.“ 

transformmylifestyle Report

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Miztre
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can Narcan be considered as 'enabling'? It is literally a life saving drug!

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#5

My Husband And I Spent The First 15 Years Of Our Marriage In Chaos And Addiction

My Husband And I Spent The First 15 Years Of Our Marriage In Chaos And Addiction

We went our separate paths of recovery and reunited as one force once we became healthy again. We are now 3 1/2 years clean and living life to the fullest! I thank God everyday not only for my recovery but that we were able to beat all odds and do it together

theaddictsdiary Report

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Kay Bear
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! You guys look amazing. My husband and I have a similar story and now have 5 years clean together and a beautiful healthy son. It's amazing how things come together in life. Love is powerful

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#6

8 Months Ago I Overdosed And Almost Lost My Life. The Doctor Said He Didn’t Know How I Survived

8 Months Ago I Overdosed And Almost Lost My Life. The Doctor Said He Didn’t Know How I Survived

I was in the ICU for 10 days and my face was partially paralyzed. I got out of the hospital and immediately started using again. Broken and beaten I eventually sought professional help, and after that I moved into a sober living. Today, I am 84 days sober. My face healed and my life has changed in so many ways. The journey hasn’t been perfect, but it definitely has been worth it. Show this picture to your family and friends. This is the end result of drugs. I am one of the lucky ones.

theaddictsdiary Report

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

Well done! I sincerely hope that you can manage to stay clean. Never believe that you are not an addict anymore, you remain a non-using addict. I wish you a great future.

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Help Guide explains that recovering drug addicts have several ways to deal with their problems, such as going through detoxification to “purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms.”

#7

12 Months Clean Today (27 August)

12 Months Clean Today (27 August)

A prolific thief has turned her life around with the help of a neighbourhood officer after being told she had just 12 months to live.

Caroline Best was a heroin and crack cocaine addict and has spent the last 15 years in and out of prison, due to shoplifting to fund her addiction.

Only 12 months ago, the 36-year-old was told she had just a year to live. Her addiction had caused her heart to start failing and she was told they would be unable to operate on her until she came off the drugs.

PC Stuart Toogood from Erdington neighbourhood police team reached out to Caroline last year to try and turn her life around and ultimately save her life.

With PC Toogood’s help, Caroline attended a rehab facility last August and following an intensive programme, she is now living in a dry house and has been clean ever since - celebrating 12 months clean today (27 August).

More importantly, Caroline was told she no longer needed a heart operation as her faulty valve had mended itself due to her drastically improved lifestyle.

West Midlands Police Report

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Restless
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PC Toogood - He is where he should be, what an apt name for such a great guy!

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#8

2 Years And 6 Months Sober Off Meth And Pills

2 Years And 6 Months Sober Off Meth And Pills

For most of my life I struggled with addiction. Today, I am 2 years and 6 months sober off meth and pills. In recovery I got my driver's license back after 18 years. I am working full time, and next week I start college to become a drug counselor. Recovery is possible

theaddictsdiary Report

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

You found a purpose, to help others recover. By helping other addicts you will also help people who are getting involved or have their lives touched by the illegal drug trade. Narco business breeds violence. Recreational drug use in the USA translates into death and sorrow in Mexico (feel free to substitute whatever countries) and this is something that SHOULD be a burden on everyone who has ever used illegal drugs.

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#9

Today I’m 6 Months Clean And I Couldn’t Be More Grateful

Today I’m 6 Months Clean And I Couldn’t Be More Grateful

Last November I woke up in the hospital after finding out I had endocarditis from using heroin and meth. The Doctors couldn’t believe I was still holding on. I wasn’t supposed to make it. By the grace of God I was given a second chance. After two months of being in the hospital I got to leave healthy with a new outlook on life. 

theaddictsdiary Report

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

I wish you will always have the strength to never take another dose! Welcome back to living a life full of nuance.

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Behavioral counseling is also important because it helps addicts understand why they use, and how they can cope with stress and their problems in a less destructive manner. In some cases, medication is a must to help manage withdrawal symptoms, while long-term follow-up prevents people from relapsing, and helps them stay sober.

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#10

Happy 13 Years Sober To Me

Happy 13 Years Sober To Me

19 years old. I thought I was the most amazing person. I weighed about 100 pounds. I was a dick. I stole from my friends for drugs. I stole from my family for drugs. I lied. Cheated. Hurt very good people. I had no one left besides my step dad when I quit. No one believed me anymore. It was a very hard time. It's been ten years and I am ready to leave the past, in the past. I am not an ex-addict. I am not in recovery. This fall I will walk up on stage and collect my BS in accountancy. I have accomplished so much from that person I was 13 years ago. I am a whole, strong, and amazing person and I am damn proud of myself

LostWingnut Report

#12

I've Been Clean For 2 Years And 8 Months

I've Been Clean For 2 Years And 8 Months

It started with pills, mainly percocet when I was 21. I was really sick one day and a friend gave me heroin. I started shooting it at 24. I tried meth for the first time at 25. I was shooting them both in no time. Over the next 3 years I overdosed 8 times. If I wasn't homeless, I was living at a trap house with no electricity or running water with a 61-year-old man who was on disability and sold meth. In and out of jail constantly for possession, identity theft etc. I used needles I found in the bottom of a shopping cart full of trash. I didn't care. I was 100 lbs. I hated myself and I truly wanted to die. I went to prison. I did 15 1/2 months on 18. I got clean. I'm 30-years-old now, I've been clean for 2 years and 8 months, and I have a 6,5-month-old baby girl, and a great fiance. Finally, as I lay here breastfeeding my beautiful baby I can say I love myself and I enjoy life now without heroin or meth

theaddictsdiary Report

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Resources to Recover argues that there are 5 major mental health benefits to giving up drugs and alcohol. These benefits are enhanced mental clarity, reduced risk of mental health issues, increased self-esteem, improved memory and better relationships with family and friends.

#13

Sober 20 Years Next Month

Sober 20 Years Next Month

This is me in dec 1995. This is me in dec 2017. I overcame addiction, homelessness, and a history of incarceration.

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#14

I Am 4 Years Clean From Drugs

I Am 4 Years Clean From Drugs

As Of Today, I Am 4 Years Clean From Drugs. I Have A Career, A House, A Dog, And A Fiancé. It Was A Struggle But It Is Definitely Worth It. Stay Strong!

GrizzMcFzz Report

#15

The Big One Year

The Big One Year

I was one of those addicts that nobody believed would get clean. It’s beyond me that I am sitting here today, laying out at a pool mind you, with a YEAR! A year without a sip, a hit, a pill, a puff, nothing. Absolutely nothing. To be honest, I didn’t think I could do it, the amount of times I’ve been done or scared out of my mind... but I’ve stayed clean knowing nothing will get better if I picked up. Through the support of so many, my program, and my spiritual practice I am here. The photos show a glimpse of the journey. Of the pain, to the joy I get to experience today. 

elle_avated Report

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Meanwhile, Guy Counseling writes that stopping using drugs and alcohol leads to having more energy, being able to focus more, improving self-image, as well as the quality of your sleep. In fact, it’s obvious that the benefits of quitting heavily outweigh the cons. It’s enough to take a look at the faces of those who stopped using drugs just to see how big a difference sobriety really makes.

#16

The Picture On The Left Is When I Overdosed From Shooting Fentanyl. I Had A Heart Attack In An Applebee’s Bathroom

The Picture On The Left Is When I Overdosed From Shooting Fentanyl. I Had A Heart Attack In An Applebee’s Bathroom

I spent six weeks in the hospital after that. Two weeks in a coma, two weeks learning how to walk again, and two weeks in the psych ward because of how suicidal I was. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I still used again after that. One day I just couldn’t take it anymore. I called a friend who I knew was sober and told him I was willing to do ANYTHING. My friend took me through the 12 steps and I changed my life. For anyone out there who is hopeless, look at me. On August 9th I celebrated one year clean

theaddictsdiary Report

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#17

Two Years Sober

Two Years Sober

My Mugshot From Two Years Ago Following A Massive Pcp/Benzo Overdose And Before Homelessness And A Trip To Prison. I'm Now Two Years Sober, Living A Wonderful Life And Happier Than I Ever Thought I'd Be!

outforchow Report

#18

By The Grace Of God... I’ve Made It 4 Years

By The Grace Of God... I’ve Made It 4 Years

My past made me who I am but I’m never looking back. This mugshot was a painful reminder of despair. Anyone struggling, please know it only gets better! Life is a gift don’t waste it!

skab_365 Report

Ben Campbell from the ‘Transform’ drug policy foundation based in the United Kingdom told Bored Panda about their take on drug addiction.

When asked what the main reasons that people turn to drugs, Campbell had this to say: “Reasons for people using drugs are vast and complex, however it could be boiled down to people wanting to feel 'good' or to feel 'less bad'. Regardless of why people use drugs, the current system of prohibition makes the risks and harms of using drugs much worse.”

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#20

7 Months Alcohol And Heroin Free

7 Months Alcohol And Heroin Free

Israel_Anthem Report

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

There is such a lot of love emanating from that smile! Wonderful picture.

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#21

The Mug Shot Was My Lowest Point; Living On The Streets Using Heroin And Meth Daily

The Mug Shot Was My Lowest Point; Living On The Streets Using Heroin And Meth Daily

It was on May 3, 2018 that I was arrested and pulled out of my addiction. Recovery not only feels good, but looks good

theaddictsdiary Report

“Our current laws have failed to reduce drug use, and have actually led to record number of drug-related deaths, and leaves many more at risk of great harm. The best way to reduce the potential harm from drug use is to legalize and regulate drugs,” Campbell gave ‘Transform’s’ opinion on the matter. “Legal regulation means controlled, not increased, availability, with tight controls on what can be sold, where it can be sold, and to whom. This also vastly reduces drug-related harms. Under prohibition, there are no such controls.”

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#22

Today, I Have 61 Days Free From All Mood And Mind Altering Substances

Today, I Have 61 Days Free From All Mood And Mind Altering Substances

I’m 28 years old and I have struggled with my addiction from a pretty early age. I seemed to enjoy the effects produced by adderall at the age of 8-years-old, which would only progress to a very dark meth and heroin addiction in my later years. I’ve been hospitalized countless times, been to jail, and lived in hell - literally. I COULD NOT STOP chasing dope for one hour, let alone entertain the thought of going to a detox program. I dragged my family and everyone I loved down with me. Today, I have 61 days free from all mood and mind altering substances. I can finally see a light at the end of my madness with the help of a sponsor and meetings. My record is in the process of being expunged and I’ve started Hep C treatment as a result of that way of life. I’m so grateful and hope this will help anyone still struggling

theaddictsdiary Report

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#23

Also Clean Off Heroin, 18 Months

Also Clean Off Heroin, 18 Months

The most important things to me are having sober people around me as support, the 12 step program and a higher power. Those 3 things have been my key to success.

benjaminz100 Report

#24

He Was Drug Addicted And Found Sobriety In 2011. Now He’s Has Founded This Nonprofit Which Seeks To Help People That Are Just Like He Was

He Was Drug Addicted And Found Sobriety In 2011. Now He’s Has Founded This Nonprofit Which Seeks To Help People That Are Just Like He Was

chadlogan3 Report

“Other countries such as Portugal have had enormous success at reducing drug-related harms by treating it as a health issue by decriminalizing people who use drugs,” he added. “The UK desperately needs to decriminalize people who use drugs and regulation of the drug market if we want to reverse record levels of drug-related deaths and drug-related harms.”

#25

Been A Long Road To Recovery, In More Ways Than One. But! 4 Years Clean From Meth

Been A Long Road To Recovery, In More Ways Than One. But! 4 Years Clean From Meth

GeneratedUser Report

#26

I Have Been In Recovery For A Year And A Half

I Have Been In Recovery For A Year And A Half

This was what I looked like, daily, for years. This is what my husband dealt with. This is what my little girls walked in on. This is what my family and friends saw, on the rare occasions I left the house. I was SICK. I was DYING. I was so far gone I thought I could NEVER recover. I was so lost I couldn't imagine a life without using. I just wanted to die. I didn't realize I was hardly alive

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#27

5 Years Clean From Drugs

5 Years Clean From Drugs

My wife and I when we were in active addiction, vs. Us in april 2017. We now both have over five years clean from drugs and alcohol and we have a 3 year old girl. Life has been challenging but compared to our old lives, we are quite literally living a dream

skee_bott Report

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Ale_Vidal23
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

at first i thought it was a gender Transformation, until i scrolled down

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#29

Things Could Have Worked Out Differently For Me

Things Could Have Worked Out Differently For Me

At the age of 28 I was arrested for 15 felonies and faced 5 years in prison. This mug shot is a reminder of how quickly my life could spiral out of control if I decide to pick up drugs again. My sobriety date is November 19, 2013 and it’s the most important date in the world to me. In recovery I learned how to love myself and how to love other people. Today I work as a substance abuse counselor and it’s the most rewarding job in the world. I am forever grateful for another chance at life. The picture on the right is who I am today. A person who worked very hard to get where they are. I am worth it. We are all worth it

theaddictsdiary Report

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#30

1.5 Years Sober

1.5 Years Sober

I Am 1.5 Years Sober From Meth And Have Never Felt More Fulfilled And Happier In Life. I Found Myself After Having Lost Myself For So Long

skab_365 Report

#31

Inspiring Maddi. Well Done

Inspiring Maddi. Well Done

During addiction vs being sober.
1 year 2 months and 25 days clean!

transformmylifestyle Report

#32

Heroin And Meth

Heroin And Meth

My Main Drugs Were Heroin And Meth. I Got Arrested One Night In September 2012 And That Night My World Came Crashing Down While At The Same Time Opening Up. I Fell To My Knees That Night Alone And Broken And In That Time A Peace And Truth Rushed Into My Life That Gave Me A Path To Find Sobriety For Good A Few Months Later.

skab_365 Report

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Luis Milian
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its scary that you have to break down and be at your lowest to make a change. I hope you stay in a good path.

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#34

We Do Recover

We Do Recover

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Silverfish_13
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She does look incredible in the after pic... and I'm not trying to take anything away from the journey or triumph, but you can see the filter.

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#35

I Spent The Last 4 Years In And Out Of Rehabs, Detox Centers, Halfway Houses, And Jail

I Spent The Last 4 Years In And Out Of Rehabs, Detox Centers, Halfway Houses, And Jail

My Name is Alana. My clean date is 04/05/18. I spent over 10 years in active addiction. I spent the last 4 years in and out of rehabs, detox centers, halfway houses, and jail. I lost two marriages due to my addiction. I ruined all of my relationships. I ended up losing my children. I lost my home and all my material possessions. Everything I loved or valued meant nothing when it was a choice between them or the drugs. I ended up homeless with a needle in my arm and not a penny to my name - doing whatever it took to get one more. I was looking at time in prison and still couldn’t stop using heroin and meth. I got sepsis and almost died, then got high the next day. I was hopeless and just wished I would die. 16 months ago, I checked myself into rehab for the forth time. I was tired, hungry, and had no place to go. Nobody wanted me around. I reached out for help. Life can be so beautiful. Today I am a mother. I have a job that can count on me to show up. I am sober and I am never looking back

theaddictsdiary Report

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#36

22 Months Clean From Meth And Xanax And All Other Drugs I Was Prisoner To

22 Months Clean From Meth And Xanax And All Other Drugs I Was Prisoner To

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#37

I Got Clean On May 10th, 2018

 I Got Clean On May 10th, 2018

I spent 22 years abusing drugs, alcohol & most of all myself. I overdosed on heroin and on crack several times. I finally had enough of chasing a high that never got me high enough or lasted long enough. I realize now I was running from myself and my emotions all along. I got clean on may 10th, 2018. Because of my higher power and na I am alive, healthy and full of gratitude and hope today

earth.angel.333 Report

Note: this post originally had 93 images. It’s been shortened to the top 37 images based on user votes.