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Former Drug Addicts That Surprised the World With Their Before and After Photos

Sometimes this is just what hope looks like.

Elana
Former Drug Addicts That Surprised the World With Their Before and After Photos

Not everyone understands addiction. If you browse social media, especially near the time of a major controversy or public overdose, you'll find a world divided. I'll be the first to admit that it has always been a complex conversation for me to be apart of since it didn't really become relevant in my life in any capacity until well into adulthood when a couple people I loved struggled with it.

For millions of other people, it can be just as difficult, if not more so, to lead their lives and perspectives with empathy for someone struggling in the throes of addiction. While some people reach out with support and empathy, others are cold and callous. And everyone has their reasons. Maybe they just don't understand or worse, maybe they understand too well.

One thing is for sure though and it's simple: everyone appreciates a positive story of triumph. Overcoming addiction and finding the light on the other side of that darkness is a massive success, one that should be celebrated with all the enthusiasm we can muster. Quite frankly, as you look through the eight individuals here you will see pretty clearly just how visual the differences can be. From their before photo deep in the darkness of addiction to their after photo shining in the light of triumph, these people will inspire you in ways you never imagined possible.

Andi Peterson

Andi's serious drug addiction took so much from her. She lost custody of her son when she was sent to prison.Andi PetersonBusiness Insider

Dejah Hall

This now former heroin addict hopes to work in prisons where she can work on a personal basis with inmates struggling with addiction.Dejah HallThe Sun

Sobreity

This former heroin and meth addict made a serious vow to stay clean for life. Just 8 months after her before photo was taken her sobriety clearly shined on her.SobreityInstagram

There's no simple way to put it other than: drugs are bad. They're bad for you. They destroy your body and your mind and sometimes the damage is literally irreversible. Other times with enough determination one can stop the damage and work on a better life. These addicts deserve all the credit for putting their foot down and getting focused on what is truly important in life. Sobriety is doing wonders for each and every one of them and their photos are a stunning reminder of what drugs are capable of, and even more so what putting yourself first is capable of instead.

Courtney

Courtney is only 24 years old and has been through the throws of addiction but motherhood changed her perspective and she now puts her children first.CourtneyReddit

A decade of damage.

Don't let his smile completely fool you, this man did hard drugs for 10 years before finding the light at the end of the tunnel. Sobriety looks good on him.A decade of damage.Imgur

Her warning.

This woman specifically wanted her before and after photo to be utilized as a warning not to succumb to the darkness in the first place. Sober life looks much better on her, too.Her warning.Reddit

Graham MacIndoe

From cocaine to heroin, Graham really went through tough times but today it's the sober life that keeps him going.Graham MacIndoeThe Guardian
Elana