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Stepping out of your usual routines and changing old habits, even the small ones, is a tough job requiring lots of dedication and self-control. And even when you know very well that replacing them is far better than sticking to the old, it is still not an easy thing to do. Though, hell or high water, these people held to the promise to themselves in resolving their ways about a drinking problem. And look at them now! If these alcohol abuse conquerors and their before and after pictures aren't inspiring, we don't know what is!
The health benefits of alcohol rehab are evident in these people - they all seem glowing, fit, and even better versions of themselves. Not only they've managed to stop drinking, but they have also adopted a healthy lifestyle to complement their new way of living. So if you need some inspiration to overcome your own hardships, scroll down below and check these heroes and their astonishing achievements!
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#1
I Took The Picture On The Left Almost 17 Months Ago, Outside An Emergency Room, At Sunrise, Something Told Me I Didn’t Want To Forget That Moment. I Forget Easily. I’m Going Public With This Now Simply Because I Need To Advocate For Recovery More
#2
Left Is Me In The ICU From An Overdose. Decided I Was Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired And Am 6 Months Clean And Sober Today
#3
This Woman, Who Was Dropped Out Of School At The Age Of 14, Battled Alcoholism And Depression To Become An A&E Doctor 15 Years Later
#5
Lost 105 Lbs In 15 Months. First I Quit Drinking. Three Months Later I Changed My Diet (Cut Carbs And Portion Control). Finally, About 12 Months Of Working Out. Change Is Possible No Matter What Your Age Is
#7
After A Decade Under The Influence And Not Taking Care Of Myself, I Am 3 Weeks Away From 1 Year Of Sobriety. 50 Lbs Lighter And A New Job Doing What I Am Passionate About. Life Is Much Better And I Definitely Enjoy It Now
#8
A Little Over A Year Ago. I'd Had Most Of A Box Of Wine Earlier In The Day And Then Drank Around 12oz Of Whiskey On Stage (Stand Up Comedy) In Front Of A Crowd. Currently, Almost A Year Sober
#10
One Year Of No Alcohol Has Changed My Life. I Lost 53 Pounds And I'm 1000 Times Happier. I Tried To Recreate My Bloated Pic
#11
Here Is What 826 Days Sober Looks Like. Left Is Me June 11th 2014, On The Right Is Me Today. Recovery Is Possible
#12
I’m Coming Up On My First Year Of Sobriety. It’s Crazy What A Difference A Year Can Make
#13
10 Years. Sobriety. Good Support Network. And A Firm Dedication To Being The Superhero My Dog Thinks I Am
#14
So Proud Of My Brother. Celebrated One Year Of Sobriety And Also Being One Person Lighter. Just Awesome
#17
My Recovery Progress Makes Me Smile. 4+ Years Of Sobriety Transformation
#19
Doesn't Seem Like Much To Some But 100 Days With No Alcohol. Don't Let Fear Of Judgement Get In The Way Of A Better Life
#20
Just Found A Old Picture Of Me On FB. I'm About 9 Months Sober From The Time It Was Taken
#21
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
#24
On The Left - 2009 During A 6 Month Relapse After I Left My Daughter's Dad And Tried To Convince Myself That Without Him, I Didn’t Have An Addiction. On The Right - 2017 After Celebrating 7 Years Of Sobriety, Dropping The Weight, Accepting My Body, Exploring My Sexuality And Thriving In The Uniqueness That Makes Me, Me
#27
Today I Am Three Years Sober. This Is Day 1 After Being Assaulted And Last Week. It's A Huge Relief To Know I Don't Have To Drink Anymore
#28
On The Left: 1-4 Bottles Of Wine A Week... Dayum, There's A Lot Of Full Coverage Foundation On That Mug. Eeeek. On The Right, 9 Months Later: Lots Of Infused Water, Bb Cream & Some Contour/Blush. The Difference: Sobriety
#29
What A Difference 10 Months Can Make. I Quit Drinking, Started Working Out, Got Divorced, Moved 1000 Miles By Myself, And Started A New Business. Happier And Healthier Than I’ve Been In A Long Time
#30
I Quit Drinking, Went Vegan And Started Running. Oh, And My Eyebrows Improved Too
#31
On The Left I Was At The Lowest Point In My Life. On The Right I Am 3 Months And 22 Days Clean And Sober
#33
The Beauty Of Living Life Sober Is Most Of My Struggles Today Are Based Around Amazing Blessings In My Life. Career Decision Struggles (But I Have Multiple Streams Of Income), Parenting Struggles (But I Have A Beautiful Baby Girl) And Struggling To Find My True Purpose In Life (But I’m Finally Asking Myself The Question And Pursuing Passions)
#34
I Didn't Realize What Alcohol Was Really Doing To Me Until I Stopped Drinking
#35
Friend Of Mine Got Sober And Went From Looking Like Frank Gallagher To Matt Damon
#37
Over 2 Years Clean And Sober
Séverine Ségier 6 years ago
What a lively person you are ! Beautiful eyes, so good to see this life in you
#39
July 2017 Vs January 2018. 120 Lbs Vs 160 Lbs. Depressed Vs Happy. Getting Sober Is The Best Thing I've Done
#40
I've Been Sober A Year Today And A Lot Has Changed! It Started With Quitting Drinking, Then Off Antidepressants, Bought A House, Quit Smoking, Started Working Out, And Now Going Back To School! If You Want To Know What Your Future Looks Like, Look At The Decisions You Are Making Today
#42
Just Over 2 Years Ago Now I Quit Drinking. Put Simply - It Changed Everything
#44
30 Months Without A Drink, And 2000 Miles Ran! I've Never Looked Like This
#46
One Year Sober And Being Healthier. I Feel More Like Myself Than I Have In Years
#47
I Quit Drinking And Taking Pills All Together (Been Sober Almost 4 Years Now) I Started My Own Online Workout, Nutrition And Coaching Business To Help Other Women Make A Positive Change In Their Life Too
#48
I Remember Being So Annoyed With Myself Waking Up Every Damn Saturday Morning Hungover And Bailing Out On The Gym - And One Day, I Stead Of Saying “F*ck It”, Everyone’s About To Meet A New Cass
#50
It Simply Amazes Me When I Look Back At Old Pictures To See What Was And Find So Much Gratitude For What I Have And Who I Am Today
#52
Picture On The Left Was Me Signing Off From Personal Insta Last Summer As I Was Bored Of Myself. Exhausted By Life, Drinking. Picture 2 Just Now 15 Months Alcohol Free
#55
It's Been More Than 5,5 Years Since I Gave Up Drinking Alcohol For Good! Finding The Raw And Vegan Lifestyle Helped Me Stay Sober Once I Took The Decision. To Kick A Bad Habit You Have To Replace It With A Good One!
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What do you think ?
Wanda Queen 6 years ago
Even though my addiction is with food, as opposed to alcohol, I'm still finding these to be very inspiring. Thanks!
Joe Sauer 6 years ago
My personally experience with addiction has brought me to this conclusion. One of the hardest parts of getting sober isn't just telling yourself no, it's all those moments that you go through, that you are asking yourself if you can make it. You feel like the next day is an eternity away. As if there's no way you can do this, and part of this feeling never goes away. It always lingers in the back of your mind, no matter how long you've been clean. So please, if you know anyone that is trying to get sober/clean, help them by just being there. It goes a long way, believe me.
Parmeisan 6 years ago
This was really hard for me to read, because one of my good friends is struggling with a husband who is addicted. He is never sober. He has drunk away their savings, can't be trusted with simple things like picking the kids up from school, and has tarnished their relationship past repair. I wish that there was some catalyst that could help him to make the same decision that these people did.
sharon smit 4 years ago
Yeah, I know this feeling, hence me looking at these changed lives and I wonder why I can't convince my husband that he is worth it. They lie, they lie a lot, they become forgetful, I don't want to socialize with others, afraid he may embarrass me (this always happens)...they smell, smell bad almost all the time, which affects other parts of the relationship. The bloodshot eyes, all the empty bottles and beer cans...the list goes on.
Load More Replies...
Mister Man 6 years ago
All of the before pictures when the people are still using everyone looks beaten, life is horrible and can no longer stand life. I should know after over 30 year of addiction, becoming clean and sober was something I resisted for so long but after I did life turned around. I was making my own hell
Taryn Wallace 6 years ago
I will say this all those people look like they have made the best decision BUT to anyone just starting out please remember that there is a reason you chose whatever vice it was that you had and just stopping that vice without working through all the psychological stuff only makes you jump from one addiction to another. Too much of anything can be bad so please once you have a clear mind talk to someone and make sure you get the psychological c**p in check as well that way you are setting yourself up for goo success
Taryn Wallace 6 years ago
I've done it and I'm 4 years sober. (Back pain and a dr that handed out pills like candy on Halloween) I didn't go to NA but I did get help and it was the best decision I ever made
Load More Replies...
diane a 6 years ago
Every one of these people deserve the utmost respect. Getting sober isnt the hard part - feeling extremely c**p for a few days etc. It's the commitment to staying that way no matter what life throws at you that matters. As one who has been there, I was the happiest and healthiest I had felt for many years during 6 months of zero alcohol and healthy eating earlier this year.
Aaron Kara 6 years ago (edited)
I actually find this really hard to do so its nice to see all the inspiring people on this list. Way to go guys!
Todd 6 years ago
I’m the guy in #1, thanks man, you can do it. It’s so worth it! Keep trying brother!
Load More Replies...
Pol Macqueron 6 years ago
Highest respect for those people. What is stunning is those smiles after quitting...
Person2638 6 years ago
These are so inspiring! Of course, I am too young to drink, but inspiring nonetheless! Kudos to them for fighting their addiction.
Bill Kanary 5 years ago
Amazing transformations..congrats !.. I am 6 months sober and I can’t believe the health benefits I am experiencing. I do not know why I drank that poison for so many years
Schrödinger's Dog 5 years ago
These are all amazing. You can tell which photos are which because, in the sober photos, they all have bright eyes and are happy.
OneEyePuppy 6 years ago
Thanks for the inspiration. Why wait for the New Year for a resolution. Changing now!
Carmen Elena 6 years ago
Congratulations and blessings to all these people... they are doing a great job and looking beautiful!
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
I rarely ever drink. By that I mean I might have a glass of wine at an event if it's an important celebration. I haven't been anywhere near drunk in about 10 years. Most of my friends who are the same age look much older than me - drinking ages you BUT certain affects are reversible depending how much you used to drink and how long for.
Peter Kunder 6 years ago
Lighting, camera angles and overall technical quality of pictures sure massively improves...when you stop drinking
Krystine Patterson 6 years ago
I wonder if it's possible to eat s**t food, drink lots and then if you worked out like an Olympic athlete, would you still look like s**t?? Or would you just have a good bod and still look like c**p?!
Dian Parama Kosala 6 years ago
We can stop drinking.. but we CAN'T STOP PIZZA!.. PIZZA IS LIFE!!
Agnes Jekyll 6 years ago
The photos the left all look so sad--these people have a better, happier life now.
Vic Martin-Matchett 2 years ago
It was easy for me to quit. 18 months ago three doctors came in and said 1 more drink I die in 6-8 months so 18 months loving life and feeling better. Yes I have cirrhosis of the liver but I’m going to beat the little runt
Dimitry Pachine 3 years ago (edited)
I am almost 2 month sober and no cigarettes either. It is hard, and I am asking myself why am I doing it? I mean At times I feel like a chunk of me is missing without a bottle or two of wine and a packet of Bensons on Friday evening. But then I look in a mirror and see sharper, younger myself. When I wake up - I am fresh. My brain works. Memory improved so i remember what I was doing a month ago. Sex is like back when I was 18. And thank you for them photos. All of them have one thing in common. The eyes. They are bright on all "after" pictures. The sparkle. So I will continue my journey. Thank you.
sharon smit 4 years ago
I wish there was someone willing to mentor my husband. It feels like I am living with Jekyll and Hyde when sober he's such a nice guy. I did not marry to get divorced. It breaks my heart to see him waste away.
Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago
I am proud of everyone. But if I'm honest? I'm drawn to both pictures. Yes, the peeps are much healthier. But sobriety is difficult <3
Sarah Hartness 6 years ago
What I've noticed about all of them... they eyes. in the before pics their eyes look dead, in the after they're all sparkly and alive!
Rich McCormick 6 years ago
I think every photo deserves an up vote. I'm over 25 years sober. Should have killed me, didn't. I lived in SF when things got REALLY bad. I was lonely, wanting a partner but I was horribly shy and thought that drinking gave me "courage" but I just never stopped when I started. Got evicted from my apt on Height and Fillmore and moved back down to Redwood City (still live here). Continued on my drinking journey until one night, deep, drunk sleep, I heard a voice. I was in a cave and the voice echoed "You will die in 6 months as your mother did if you don't stop drinking" woke my a*s up and I turned on the light, still drunk I guess and thought someone or something was in my room. I asked who's there and it said the same thing again. Freaked me out. Got up, threw out all the booze and even tore up my cigs, which was another crutch I grabbed when I was drinking. Never looked back. I was drinking about a bottle of Vodka a day when I was binging. No, not the little 5ths either.
Jovy Jergens 6 years ago
All of these people are so brave and motivated. An inspiration to all of us who need to accomplish anything in life that takes guts.
Curious Cat 6 years ago
US and UK has a culture of boozing.. all the ads, movies and accessability to it makes it easy to get. Plus the fact both places are in the crapper and you need booze to get through things.
Fien 6 years ago
Currently 8 years 4 months sober and clean at age 28. At first, people did not understand why I needed to do this. But with me it's all or nothing, no inbetween. I still struggle with other issues (I have bipolar disorder) but really proud of myself that I at least conquered this battle... These people are true warriors!
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
So why, when I practically never drink at all, don't I look this good? :-D
Tamus 6 years ago
So guy's will hair will be cut, facial hair will be cleaned up, and photo's wont be blurry? Girls will lose face piercings and grow luxurious hair? I understand leaving addition is difficult. It requires honesty and work. Friends and people to support you. And even if a mistake happens, you have to feel bad, be honest and clear to your support so they can help you. Embarrassment and being ashamed is natural. It means if you are honest and clear, your support will help you! However, the photographer should be ashamed of themselves for posting this click bait. There are some high profile people who look as good as the sober pictures who are addicted and going down the drain. Doesn't matter if you look good or bad. Addition is poisoning you. If not your health, then your neurological pathways. Damaging the way your brain works and behaves. Even if "no cells are dying."
Charlotte Dupre 6 years ago
I am pretty sure they change something else. They lost to much weight to be only about the drinking. Not that it makes it not great that they stop drinking
Belle_Pandamonium 6 years ago
If you knew how many kilos i've added because of alcohol on top of daily food intake... omgosh :-(
Load More Replies...
Wanda Queen 6 years ago
Even though my addiction is with food, as opposed to alcohol, I'm still finding these to be very inspiring. Thanks!
Joe Sauer 6 years ago
My personally experience with addiction has brought me to this conclusion. One of the hardest parts of getting sober isn't just telling yourself no, it's all those moments that you go through, that you are asking yourself if you can make it. You feel like the next day is an eternity away. As if there's no way you can do this, and part of this feeling never goes away. It always lingers in the back of your mind, no matter how long you've been clean. So please, if you know anyone that is trying to get sober/clean, help them by just being there. It goes a long way, believe me.
Parmeisan 6 years ago
This was really hard for me to read, because one of my good friends is struggling with a husband who is addicted. He is never sober. He has drunk away their savings, can't be trusted with simple things like picking the kids up from school, and has tarnished their relationship past repair. I wish that there was some catalyst that could help him to make the same decision that these people did.
sharon smit 4 years ago
Yeah, I know this feeling, hence me looking at these changed lives and I wonder why I can't convince my husband that he is worth it. They lie, they lie a lot, they become forgetful, I don't want to socialize with others, afraid he may embarrass me (this always happens)...they smell, smell bad almost all the time, which affects other parts of the relationship. The bloodshot eyes, all the empty bottles and beer cans...the list goes on.
Load More Replies... Mister Man 6 years ago
All of the before pictures when the people are still using everyone looks beaten, life is horrible and can no longer stand life. I should know after over 30 year of addiction, becoming clean and sober was something I resisted for so long but after I did life turned around. I was making my own hell
Taryn Wallace 6 years ago
I will say this all those people look like they have made the best decision BUT to anyone just starting out please remember that there is a reason you chose whatever vice it was that you had and just stopping that vice without working through all the psychological stuff only makes you jump from one addiction to another. Too much of anything can be bad so please once you have a clear mind talk to someone and make sure you get the psychological c**p in check as well that way you are setting yourself up for goo success
Taryn Wallace 6 years ago
I've done it and I'm 4 years sober. (Back pain and a dr that handed out pills like candy on Halloween) I didn't go to NA but I did get help and it was the best decision I ever made
Load More Replies... diane a 6 years ago
Every one of these people deserve the utmost respect. Getting sober isnt the hard part - feeling extremely c**p for a few days etc. It's the commitment to staying that way no matter what life throws at you that matters. As one who has been there, I was the happiest and healthiest I had felt for many years during 6 months of zero alcohol and healthy eating earlier this year.
Aaron Kara 6 years ago (edited)
I actually find this really hard to do so its nice to see all the inspiring people on this list. Way to go guys!
Todd 6 years ago
I’m the guy in #1, thanks man, you can do it. It’s so worth it! Keep trying brother!
Load More Replies... Pol Macqueron 6 years ago
Highest respect for those people. What is stunning is those smiles after quitting...
Person2638 6 years ago
These are so inspiring! Of course, I am too young to drink, but inspiring nonetheless! Kudos to them for fighting their addiction.
Bill Kanary 5 years ago
Amazing transformations..congrats !.. I am 6 months sober and I can’t believe the health benefits I am experiencing. I do not know why I drank that poison for so many years
Schrödinger's Dog 5 years ago
These are all amazing. You can tell which photos are which because, in the sober photos, they all have bright eyes and are happy.
OneEyePuppy 6 years ago
Thanks for the inspiration. Why wait for the New Year for a resolution. Changing now!
Carmen Elena 6 years ago
Congratulations and blessings to all these people... they are doing a great job and looking beautiful!
Paul Dixon 6 years ago
I rarely ever drink. By that I mean I might have a glass of wine at an event if it's an important celebration. I haven't been anywhere near drunk in about 10 years. Most of my friends who are the same age look much older than me - drinking ages you BUT certain affects are reversible depending how much you used to drink and how long for.
Peter Kunder 6 years ago
Lighting, camera angles and overall technical quality of pictures sure massively improves...when you stop drinking
Krystine Patterson 6 years ago
I wonder if it's possible to eat s**t food, drink lots and then if you worked out like an Olympic athlete, would you still look like s**t?? Or would you just have a good bod and still look like c**p?!
Dian Parama Kosala 6 years ago
We can stop drinking.. but we CAN'T STOP PIZZA!.. PIZZA IS LIFE!!
Agnes Jekyll 6 years ago
The photos the left all look so sad--these people have a better, happier life now.
Vic Martin-Matchett 2 years ago
It was easy for me to quit. 18 months ago three doctors came in and said 1 more drink I die in 6-8 months so 18 months loving life and feeling better. Yes I have cirrhosis of the liver but I’m going to beat the little runt
Dimitry Pachine 3 years ago (edited)
I am almost 2 month sober and no cigarettes either. It is hard, and I am asking myself why am I doing it? I mean At times I feel like a chunk of me is missing without a bottle or two of wine and a packet of Bensons on Friday evening. But then I look in a mirror and see sharper, younger myself. When I wake up - I am fresh. My brain works. Memory improved so i remember what I was doing a month ago. Sex is like back when I was 18. And thank you for them photos. All of them have one thing in common. The eyes. They are bright on all "after" pictures. The sparkle. So I will continue my journey. Thank you.
sharon smit 4 years ago
I wish there was someone willing to mentor my husband. It feels like I am living with Jekyll and Hyde when sober he's such a nice guy. I did not marry to get divorced. It breaks my heart to see him waste away.
Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago
I am proud of everyone. But if I'm honest? I'm drawn to both pictures. Yes, the peeps are much healthier. But sobriety is difficult <3
Sarah Hartness 6 years ago
What I've noticed about all of them... they eyes. in the before pics their eyes look dead, in the after they're all sparkly and alive!
Rich McCormick 6 years ago
I think every photo deserves an up vote. I'm over 25 years sober. Should have killed me, didn't. I lived in SF when things got REALLY bad. I was lonely, wanting a partner but I was horribly shy and thought that drinking gave me "courage" but I just never stopped when I started. Got evicted from my apt on Height and Fillmore and moved back down to Redwood City (still live here). Continued on my drinking journey until one night, deep, drunk sleep, I heard a voice. I was in a cave and the voice echoed "You will die in 6 months as your mother did if you don't stop drinking" woke my a*s up and I turned on the light, still drunk I guess and thought someone or something was in my room. I asked who's there and it said the same thing again. Freaked me out. Got up, threw out all the booze and even tore up my cigs, which was another crutch I grabbed when I was drinking. Never looked back. I was drinking about a bottle of Vodka a day when I was binging. No, not the little 5ths either.
Jovy Jergens 6 years ago
All of these people are so brave and motivated. An inspiration to all of us who need to accomplish anything in life that takes guts.
Curious Cat 6 years ago
US and UK has a culture of boozing.. all the ads, movies and accessability to it makes it easy to get. Plus the fact both places are in the crapper and you need booze to get through things.
Fien 6 years ago
Currently 8 years 4 months sober and clean at age 28. At first, people did not understand why I needed to do this. But with me it's all or nothing, no inbetween. I still struggle with other issues (I have bipolar disorder) but really proud of myself that I at least conquered this battle... These people are true warriors!
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
So why, when I practically never drink at all, don't I look this good? :-D
Tamus 6 years ago
So guy's will hair will be cut, facial hair will be cleaned up, and photo's wont be blurry? Girls will lose face piercings and grow luxurious hair? I understand leaving addition is difficult. It requires honesty and work. Friends and people to support you. And even if a mistake happens, you have to feel bad, be honest and clear to your support so they can help you. Embarrassment and being ashamed is natural. It means if you are honest and clear, your support will help you! However, the photographer should be ashamed of themselves for posting this click bait. There are some high profile people who look as good as the sober pictures who are addicted and going down the drain. Doesn't matter if you look good or bad. Addition is poisoning you. If not your health, then your neurological pathways. Damaging the way your brain works and behaves. Even if "no cells are dying."
Charlotte Dupre 6 years ago
I am pretty sure they change something else. They lost to much weight to be only about the drinking. Not that it makes it not great that they stop drinking
Belle_Pandamonium 6 years ago
If you knew how many kilos i've added because of alcohol on top of daily food intake... omgosh :-(
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