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.
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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
Kimberly "Ain't Nobody Got Time For That" Wilkins Overcame Her Drug 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
at 45 you look younger than you did from the picture on the left. great job.
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.
At The Age Of 18, I Started Injecting Heroin And Meth Into My Body
βTwo 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.β
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
8 Months Ago I Overdosed And Almost Lost My Life. The Doctor Said He Didnβt 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 hasnβt 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.
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.
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.”
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 Toogoodβs 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.
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
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.
Today Iβm 6 Months Clean And I Couldnβt Be More Grateful
Last November I woke up in the hospital after finding out I had endocarditis from using heroin and meth. The Doctors couldnβt believe I was still holding on. I wasnβt 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.
I wish you will always have the strength to never take another dose! Welcome back to living a life full of nuance.
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.
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
What 5 Years Clean From Heroin Looks Like
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
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.
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.
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 FiancΓ©. It Was A Struggle But It Is Definitely Worth It. Stay Strong!
The Big One Year
I was one of those addicts that nobody believed would get clean. Itβs 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 didnβt think I could do it, the amount of times Iβve been done or scared out of my mind... but Iβve 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.
You are beautiful. You are glowing in your sobriety. I hope to use your strength and success story as my inspiration to get clean myself. Thank you. Congratulations.
Her Instagram handle is VERY appropriate. After 1 year of sobriety, no doubt she feels a REAL sense of being "elle_avated"
"the amount of times Iβve been done or scared out of my mind... but Iβve stayed clean knowing nothing will get better if I picked up" Well done, you have a great reason to be proud and happy! Live well.
So proud of you sweetheart God's good Keep relying on Him who loves you with an unconditional love from N.ireland
You go girl... you know you're beautiful, you are strong and you are helping others know that there's hope. Stay strong!
You're a beautiful woman! Keep up the good work! Happy Thanksgiving!
I pray God will continue to strengthen you and give you the grace you need, to stay, on your amazing journey. You are a beautiful young woman, who has so much, to pour into the world, with your story.
No matter what, you are hot! But you look more awesome in present time of course.. Ehm.
Wonderful. I love a success story like this. Mate, those nipples...defo get back into the smack if I can pay to see them. Iβd easily pay ten bucks just to see the new you. Imagine how much.....no, no, sorry...
just looks like she hasnt woken up and made her hair yet on the left
She gave up one addiction for another. She needs to put some pants on and stop trying to attract sexual attention to herself. Very bad taste.
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.
The Picture On The Left Is When I Overdosed From Shooting Fentanyl. I Had A Heart Attack In An Applebeeβs 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. Iβm ashamed to admit it, but I still used again after that. One day I just couldnβt 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
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!
By The Grace Of God... Iβve Made It 4 Years
My past made me who I am but Iβm never looking back. This mugshot was a painful reminder of despair. Anyone struggling, please know it only gets better! Life is a gift donβt waste it!
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.”
6 Years Clean
7 Months Alcohol And Heroin Free
There is such a lot of love emanating from that smile! Wonderful picture.
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
“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.”
Today, I Have 61 Days Free From All Mood And Mind Altering Substances
Iβm 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. Iβve 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 Iβve started Hep C treatment as a result of that way of life. Iβm so grateful and hope this will help anyone still struggling
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.
He Was Drug Addicted And Found Sobriety In 2011. Now Heβs Has Founded This Nonprofit Which Seeks To Help People That Are Just Like He Was
“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.”
Been A Long Road To Recovery, In More Ways Than One. But! 4 Years Clean From Meth
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
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
at first i thought it was a gender Transformation, until i scrolled down
Today I Have 1 Year Clean And Sober
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 itβs 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 itβs 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
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
Inspiring Maddi. Well Done
During addiction vs being sober.
1 year 2 months and 25 days clean!
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.
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.
We Do Recover
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.
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 couldnβt 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
22 Months Clean From Meth And Xanax And All Other Drugs I Was Prisoner To
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
Note: this post originally had 93 images. Itβs been shortened to the top 37 images based on user votes.
I too overcame an addiction to cocaΓ―ne. Well, my son helped me. So, to all off the people here and people who are still struggling with becoming clean or already are clean, you are amazing! I know it's hard to stay clean and face the things you have done and maybe tried to forget by using drugs. But in the end you are strong, worth it and beautiful! You are not your addiction or your past. Wish you all the luck in the world!
For every addict going through hell there are about 10 other people also going through hell watching their friend/ family doing all the things addicts do.
And nobody quite understands how hard it is to be a spouse or family of an addict, especially the addicts themselves. They only think they are hurting themselves, but it couldn't be farther from the truth. It's hard not to give up on someone you love when they treat you like ****and refuse help. You just have to stick in there and continue to be there for them, and wait until they are ready to accept help.
Sometimes you have to give up on them, my ex has been an addict for over 24 years. He started using after we got married and had 2 children. I couldnβt let him keep hurting us and destroying my kids!
I absolutely would have chosen alcohol and Vicodin over people. It blots out the sun.
Drug addiction is a mental illness. It is no different than family members who deal with loved ones with depression or cancer. People who are mentally healthy don't just start taking meth and heroin. Nor is addiction something someone can just easily stop. It really requires a mental health professional and most people just don't have access to that or they are afraid that they will get arrested
I recently reconnected with an old boyfriend who I thought was the love of my life. We now live on different sides of the country but he was in my area for work so we met up for dinner where he told me he had been in and out of recovery for the past several years. He just told me today that he relapsed and I'm heartbroken and very worried about him and I feel helpless.
Magpie, you are so right. I think you could put pictures of familymembers and friends along sided the left and right of the former addict pictures and you would see a big change in them too.
Carmen Lamp -
Carmen Lamp what
Youβve obviously only been on the outside looking in!!!
What you say is certainly true. This post is focused on celebrating the peace and sobriety that ex addicts have found. I don't think it's meant to say that no one else is effected by addictions other than the addicts themselves
I wish all of you and everyone who's struggling and fighting the strength to win the battle. You have it in you and you can do it. Don't let yourself get discouraged by setbacks. We are all only humans and we all fail once in a while. Find help and ask people to help you. To those who are clean today - You made it! Stay strong and find something good, something that you enjoy, something that makes you happy. You deserve to be happy!
I fully support the decriminalization of drug use. Drug addiction is a mental health crisis, not a criminal offense. Portugal decriminalized drug use and started treating people like patients rather than criminals and the results have been amazing. Less overdoses, less HIV infections, less health related injury, less addiction overall, less drug use. Drug addiction is hard on everyone, the person going through it, their families, and their community. We need to be to treat drug use for what it is, a symptom of mental health illness.
Totally agree with you Ivana. Hello from Victoria Australia, "we" are starting to de criminalize marijuana. It is a start.
Congratulations to all of them for their new lives. Keep it up and stay healthy
Good luck to all of them, hopefully they will stay clean and will continue fighting. I know it is process, hope they will be in the right company.
It is true, it takes a LOT of the right sort of support people to get through this. And the addict has to work very hard at it. And be ready to do that.
In every situation without exception, the people look 1000 times better and have a genuine smile on their face versus the empty hollow look of a zombie. My entire family died from alcohol and drug abuse (parents, four siblings) and for whatever reason I never became addicted and I'm thankful.
You have lived through horrible life events, no child should have to have your experience. I hope that you have managed to create a more stable, sane, healthier and happier life for yourself. I wish you all the best.
Hey Kevin, I am glad you survived. *sending you support and understanding* My ( only sibling) sister suicided. I believe largely due to the drugs. It is a hard grief. People ask what did she die of, and then get weird about the answer. Stay strong. In case no one said it: It was NOT your fault. and I am glad you survived.
Hi Magpie, thank you for sharing your sister's story with us. Also, thank you for being honest about how she died. I believe the way we'll overcome the stigma of suicide is by talking about it.
Well done to everyone who has overcome addiction. It will always be something to fight against but you know you can do it. You are strong and brave. Be proud of your achievements. I wish everyone the absolute best for your futures.
Proof that anyone can get better with hard work and dedication to live
And the right sort of help Persistence is very hard for family and friends of addicts.
I'm 6 months sober. I'm a terrible alcoholic with Borderline Personality Disorder. I was out of control & landed in jail for violence/ felony charges. .. Couple of times.
Congratulations on your sobriety - that is awesome!
I can relate! Don't forget to treat your mental health issues as well as addictions. Congratulations and keep working the steps!
Congratulazioni ! continua cosi' !
Sending you kindness and support. Congrats! Wishing you good people to surround you.
When I imagine how many handicapped or terminally ill people would do anything for a functioning or healthy body, it's frustrating to see how many people are doing so much harm to themselves and their
...continue: families
I recall seeing a story about a woman who was terminally ill, but loving every moment of her life, and I thought I would gladly take the years off my life and give them to her if there was a way to.
This makes me so happy!
I still struggle with my alcoholism. When I separated from the military, I was drinking about a fifth of whiskey every night. Thats a standard bottle every day. That's a lot of booze. I drink a few beers ever night, which is a lot better than in the past, but still seem to have a problem kicking the habit entirely. Im gonna keep working on it though.
Hang in there Spirit! it is hard. and a battle every day. Respect to you that you know the problem. If the first support people are not right for you, keep asking. Sometimes professionals want to help, but it is just not a good match.
Take it a day at a time. At least you're thinking about it and cutting back. Go to some AA meetings to see how it is. You can do this but don't wait too long.
I remember years ago, a good friend of mine was living in Seattle ( I was living in Illinois at the time). They got hooked on Heroin. Hard. Took only a few tries before she was fully hooked to it. We were talking about her ambitions. She went there to start college. She was missing classes and not getting anything done. She was falling behind in her classes. And she decided that she needed to end her using heroin. She didn't think she'd get addicted so fast. So. We spent two days and three nights on the phone the entire time (except bathroom breaks) to make sure that she stayed off the stuff and got clear-headed. After that, we checked in 5 times a day with each other to make sure she made it. I even got in trouble at work for being on my phone too much. They understood once I explained it. But it worked. 6 years later, she's a businesswoman and runs an interior design company. She's never touched the stuff again. I am so glad all these people have success stories :)
Wow that's amazing! You were such a big support for her!
Congratulations to her. And THANK YOU !!! so much for helping and understanding. And keeping on helping.
I'm always overwhelmed and deeply impressed by the huge difference living a sober life makes. Everybody looks so beautiful after recovery. Health does glow. It makes me weak whenever there are children involved. I deeply wish the best for them all.
In order to beat addiction, people need help to change their lives, the people they see, the places they go, the things they do. If you come out of rehab and go straight back to the people, the places and the things that got you using in the first place, you don't stand a chance. We need to stop treating addicts like criminals and start facing up to an epidemic that needs attention and active assistance to move on from.
Yes a good rehab place will teach people how to handle their lives once they leave, and continue support.
My comment would be the same for all photos : applause and best wishes to all of you. Every single one.
:-). yes there is no "pick your favorite to up vote" it is all upvote!
I started commenting each then I landed here because it's for all !
i am so glad you postet this!! its an amazing warning!!!
i think the stories are way too powerful to have all so many in one place
Canβt even begin to imagine how hard it must be to overcome addiction, really respect these people for making it
I've had drug addiction problems for years, 17 in fact. It's gone from one substance to another, I'll quit one thing but something else will crop up. Now it's managed on habitual tobacco and cannabis use. I would love to be free from the dependancy, I admire every one of them!
Wishing support and strength and good people around you. It is really hard. Above all Stay Alive. Keep asking until you find the right people with the right knowledge to help you. When you are alive you can always start again. Hold on. You will probably have to ask many times to find the right doctor/ social worker/ addiction specialists for you and your situation. Keep asking!
Thank you Magpie!
Respect to all of you !!!
I had to upvote every picture! Working on sobriety and addiction is so hard but it is so worth it! Much love to everyone struggling
Me too :)
Well done guys. What you've overcome shows how gangsta you really are.
Congrats on all the people for getting this far! Keep moving forward! You guys can do it!
This was rough, I'm happy for all these people who've turned their lives around, but it brought bad days to the forefront of my mind, I've lost too many friends to drugs.
I tried so hard to save my husband from his addiction to cocaine (and whatever else it was laced with). His addiction cost him all of his kidney function. He was sober for six months after he started dialysis. He fell back into his addiction. I woke up to go to work the morning before Thanksgiving 2017. I found him in the den. It looked like he fell asleep. They couldn't resuscitate him. Intellectual I know that only he could have saved himself, but emotionally I still struggle with the "if only"s...
It is really hard. It is NOT your fault. Wishing ( praying) you find peace in your soul and great friends who are not afraid to talk about this stuff.
thank you!
Every one who's struggling and fighting the strength to win the battle, i wish them "all the best"
Big congrats to all you people! You guys did this, not God, not luck, YOU. Awesome. Also, it's interesting to see that, while many look like addicts big time, some look pretty normal.. while being addicted to meth, heroin etc. Proves that thing about books, covers and judging.
Congratulations to all of you! Enjoy life and be aware how strong you really are! :-)
All people here are worth a thumb up. I never was addicted to drugs, but I have a cousin who was once addicted (some 30 years ago) and I saw everything he went through. Kudos to all of them and kudos to Bored Panda. I think is one the best posts I've ever seen on Panda.
the before pictures are my 4 year old night mare
Really love posts like this one! They give hope and show that no matter what happens in our lives, the human can beat every obstacle. We are stronger than we think we might be, we can be cruel the same as we can be good, but we always need some goal to feel that our life is worth fighting for. Well done guys, you're amazing and inspiring!
One of the best posts I've seen on this site. Truly inspiring
God bless every single one of these beautiful people! My heart and eyes are overflowing with joy. Thank you for sharing your successes!
It's amazing how attractive these people become with their bright eyes and smiles they go from looking minutes from death to absolutely gorgeous and handsome
And they look confident imho.
Man, these are so great. You can just see all that inner life and beauty shining out in their after photos!
I would like to congratulate all of the sbove. So happy for you all. You all cleaned up brilliantly. What a good looking group of people!
On a side note: This would be a lot more heartwarming if most of the women did not look like models and/or mannequins. It's really disturbing and sets such an unhealthy expectation for young women that even "casual" photos, a woman has to look "stunning". I notice the guys just look like dudes and only one or two were posed as models and even those still looked normal and realistic. How does any teenager with stuff like this in her mind picture herself ever going for a swim or a walk or to an amusement park where she might get sweaty without worrying that she will look disgusting and no guy will want her? Or a young woman worrying so much about she will look in the morning she's actually afraid to have sex? Why is this happening? I thought it would get better for women after my generation (when everyone had to weigh 95 pounds). It's only gotten worse. Many women become depressed cuz of these issues & depression can lead to many self-harming activities, including drug use.
To me, the end result is these people recovered and are beautiful. They are here on earth for something more than a tragic existence. Good thoughts for all .
This ought to be a part of every school curriculum. Period.
im so proud of all of these people. my dad never did beat his battle with addiction. it always amazes me hearing success stories.
Sending you strength and hoping you get good people around you.
Well done. It is so stupid to fund your own death.
Each and every one of you is amazing! Each of you has a story, you have shared your lowest points with the world, in the hope your stories will give power to others to find the way out of their darkness. Well done, wishing all of you happy, peaceful & successful lives. One love! xxx
so happy and proud of all of u! β€οΈπβ¨
so proud of all of these people!
IM 68 3 MONTHS OFF ALCOHOL 20 YEARS OFF CRACK COCAINE, 10 YEARS OFF CIGARETTES INJURIES , DENTAL ISSUES, ETC "I SHALL FIGHT NO MORE FOREVER"
My boyfriend and I are clean from meth for one month. No more paranoid thoughts, no more arguments, no more leaving in the middle of the night, no mire chaos. We've already secured job interviews, started fixing things in this pile of rubble we call home. I speak to my family 3 x a week. I forgot how awesome it is to experience life sober.
I was an IV heroin user for over 20 years. I now have 7 years clean... and am a solid example of how much better life can be!