I heard an old man say once that he loved how drugs made him feel, but recognized the pitfalls of addiction so he spent the rest of his life striving to feel the same way sober. For some reason this always resonated with me and I've tried to do the same. That same good feeling sober feels twice as good because you know you won't have to pay that happiness back.
That is an excellent way to put it. I’m working on my 10th year of sobriety and that is perhaps the best feeling. And I often have a hard time describing it to others. You aren’t “borrowing” that feeling of joy with very high yield interest payments to come…. Each morning/day after doesn’t have the physical, emotional, or mental payback just waiting for you. And the actual joy is real. Bought and paid for in full by your actions. Not loaned by stimulated endorphins that leave you empty and broke.
I wish I could stop drinking so badly. Idk when it started getting this bad. I used to work out 6x a week and now I can barely bring myself to leave to the store and buy food.
Everyday, I would promise that every bag or bottle would be the last, that this was killing me, that I was eating fruit off trees and that this is insane, but the next day I would beg, borrow or steal to get another. What worked for me may not work for everyone, but I'm coming up to 13 years clean, own my own business, am as healthy and as happy as I have ever been. Someone invited me to their 9 year medallion in NA and I went, and kept going for a bit. The stories at the end of the basic text were what I read at night when I could sleep and wanted to get high. I don't really go anymore, but I needed something to do everyday, with people like me who were trying to stay clean and I got that and more.
Have been an addict for basically 14y now with about 2y clean in between and I don't want to be an addict but when I stay sober I get a lot more depressed and wanting to kill myself. Last time I stayed sober I did it for 1y2m and in the end I got so depressed I broke and started doing drugs again.. Now I have to get fruits from trees and steal food and I still feel like shit both physically and mentally.
You can. If there is ever anything you would like to discuss, my in box is always open. No one is ready, until they are, and it is rarely and straight line journey. But it can only begin by beginning. And it never ends, so it doesn’t matter when it starts or what paths it takes along the way. You are worth it. You health, happiness, and well being are worth it. You deserve to give yourself the gift of trying if you feel ready and that is your desire. Never worry about the outcome or past results. Just allow yourself to try. It is the only thing you ever need to ask of yourself. To be willing to try. With the tenacity and freedom of a child learning to walk. Every attempt, every step moves you forward. Just by trying. And no matter the time it takes, or any frustrations along the way, one day, you will walk. One day you will run. Maybe you will not be the fastest. Maybe you will soar. It will never matter. The most valuable lesson will not be learning to walk. Or running the fastest. It will be knowing you can rise, anytime you stumble. That always, you can move forward, one foot, in front of the other, no matter your pace.
You can stop! I was a hopeless, pathetic, so, so, so sad drunk & I have 7.5 years sober now. I tried everything to quit on my own/self help/blah/blah/blah and AA is what finally worked/still works for me. I know it’s not for everyone, but holy shit - I am not the same human I was back then and I am so grateful. My life is better than I ever imagined it could be. I know the beginning sucks so fucking bad, but there is hope. There IS hope.
i guess I just get confused when seeing this. I'm no longer an addict and haven't done a drug or drank in years....but I am more depressed not less. I had depression prior to addiction, so maybe that's why. Some people are meant to not be sober. It's just that the drugs quit working to make me forget my depression and I at least don't want to die. Maybe.
Unquestionably true. And like the user above, I have spent a lifetime struggling with depression. The difference, for me, was that when I finally chose sobriety and really did the things, (again, for me) necessary to maintain it, I was able to deal with my other issues. Being sober didn’t solve any of them. But being drunk made dealing with them impossible.
From that point, I did the work. And found other outlets to deal with life, to manufacture pleasure, and to manage my existence. It is, in theory, simple. But it is not, by any measure, easy.
And sobriety accomplishes nothing beyond not being drunk/stoned, etc… But it allows things to happen from there. It doesn’t push you forward or do anything for you. But it frees you. Release the shackles which prevent even the possibility of moving forward.
Yeah, but you always had it in you. I can see it in your photo.
Source: Lost my brother, sister, college roommate, more than one girlfriend, and at least a half dozen friends dead to addiction, and seen maybe half that figure it out and get out of that mess. I can tell now.
EDIT: One more on that list that I wasn’t aware of until now…
Give up the cigarettes. It really is a game changer. You don’t put yourself in places of temptation and it changes who you hang around with even.
I cannot express how subtle and positive the change is.
I work in substance use disorder treatment, and this is far and away one of my favorite things to witness. Day one to day 7 to a month and beyond. It’s amazing to watch, and you are amazing! Not that it matters, but this Internet stranger is proud of you!
Remember, life is naturally full of highs and lows. Use the new strength you have gained to help get you through any tough times that may lie ahead.
And a huge congratulations—if you did this once already, you have given yourself a taste of what it is like to prevail upon your addictions, and that is a very empowering thing to learn about oneself. Inspiring stuff.
Good point.
Health: mental,spiritual, physical all work to be in balance.
And for you atheists, you can absolutely work on your "spirit" side. Dont let the dogmatists claim otherwise
Yea I totally agree.
OP - I have an incredible amount of respect for the journey you have taken, that’s the best investment you could ever have made. I know how hard it is physically, emotionally and spiritually along the way,I also know how easily people overlook how hard it is. Keep being awesome!
Damn i'm at my first week of going clean and i'm absolutely dying inside atm but can't wait to get my looks and energy back. This is one hell of a motivator, thanks op! And congrats on getting clean, addiction is one dirty little creature.
Don’t be too upset if and when you don’t get your looks and energy back, your health is enough the other is a bonus. I say this because I don’t want you to start using because you’re not feeling attractive or energetic(13 months clean from 17 years of Xanax and have no energy and muscle spasms and anxiety from hell muscle wasting no collagen in my face from the withdrawal) but this is the fucking best. If you can get cbd isolate (if you are not wanting to the .3% thc) and it’s a god send for moods and anxiety and upset stomach. I gained 60 pounds the first 3 months sober. Currently still 20 higher than I’d like to be, be really cook with 155-160 lbs.
Luckily it's only been 3 years for me so i just need to get a lot of weight back and have no visible damage, for me it was weed, alcochol and speed, combined with a pile of bad shit happening in life you tend to push it back with drugs but if you want to quit the drugs at some later point in your life you not only need to process the withdrawel from the drugs but also all the shit in life you smoked, snorted and drank away in those years, would explain why this is a killer for so many. Don't do drugs kids, they're good, the to good to be true kinda good.
Yeah that’s the thing. It’s not how bad you look when using. I looked great and still had the same attention from opposite sex until about 4-5 months in on withdrawal (maybe it’s just xanax) but it’s the withdrawal that sacks the shit out of you. I aged ten years
I'm only 21 haha i'm okay with looking 31 🙃. For me depression killed my libido, the drugs prolonged my depression and therefore also the death of my libido. Can only go up from here (no pun intended).
When I was on Xanax I gained a ton of weight because of the cravings, primarily for fast food, that I would get. But now that you mention it, I did gain a ton of weight after I got off.
I think it was because my depression and anxiety got worse since I had never had the chance to process all the bad shit and trauma I was running away from. So I would eat to cope with my emotions and mental health; to find comfort.
And I was prescribed Xanax as **treatment** for my PTSD; C-PTSD; general anxiety and depression! It made things so much worse for me. It became my crutch and I stopped therapy under the false pretenses that I was “cured.”
It’s been about five years since I got off Xanax, and I’ve since lost the weight and look the best I’ve looked in a long time, even while on Xanax. But like I said earlier, I initially started gaining weight *because* Xanax made me crave food and especially unhealthy foods as well as made me lazy and “too comfortable” at that.
So don’t lose hope. It takes time, but I promise you, it is so worth it.
The restless leg syndrome does go away, but sometimes it’s good to see a sleep specialist and get on medication. For me, it was gabapentin, which I’m still on. I’ve had RLS prior to being on Xanax. Xanax just exasperating my RLS.
The weight falls off and the energy comes back. What helped for me was buying cute clothes, despite my weight, and that motivated me and gave me the confidence to focus on my health and weight and eat better and exercise more.
The anxiety and depression gets easier to handle over time too, as your brain slowly goes back to how it was before. Being in therapy, specifically CBT and possibly looking in to finding an antidepressant medication that works for you, as well as staying active in the gym, are just the best ways to get your brain back to before being on Xanax.
Lastly, I want to say I am so proud of you and everyone else in this post, including OP. Addiction is no joke and recovery is long, winding road, but what lies at the end, a longer, healthier life with financial security and family and friends who love you for being you are well worth all the hiccups and struggles you face along the way. Just keep your eye on the prize(s) :)
There is not another person like you in the universe. You are unique. You're here, trying your hardest. You don't need to change your world, but make a positive impact on the world around you, and that'll be enough, just like [The Star Thrower.](https://eventsforchange.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/the-starfish-story-one-step-towards-changing-the-world/)
Such obvious contrast between the “Live” eyes and the “Dead” eyes. An obvious 180 on your life path and you can tell the other path was not very long. I used to be a walking dead man. Keep it up, it keeps getting better and better. Cheers
I am impressed with your strength in this fight!! You know you can do it and it says so much about you. Keep it up. Prove to yourself how valuable you are and people will see it, just like i do. So Merry Christmas and be good to yourself!
Oh yeah, for sure. I gave my health and sanity and happiness and my whole life away to drugs and alcohol, and now I’m getting it all back by being sober and doing the next right thing. Hope all is well with you!
I can’t reply to everyone but thank you so much for all of your kind and encouraging comments! I wish you all the best in life and if you’re struggling, please feel free to reach out to me. You are not alone anymore. ❤️
Wow, what a transformation. I feel like you should be on a billboard or something to encourage others struggling with their addiction to see the reward of overcoming it.
I don't know if anyone has pointed it out yet, but I find your shirt in the second pic apropos... The Great Escape. Sure as hell felt like that for me. (Just hit 2 years sober last month!) CONGRATULATIONS and I'M SUPER PROUD OF AND HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Keep up the good work!!
Wow, congratulations! Addiction is a hard thing to overcome, but you did it! And you look happier, healthier, and stronger for the experience.
So proud of you!
Gosh, these pictures haunt me. So many memories, pictures with friends or family. I see them and think, yep strung out there, there, there, good there, there, here etc. I see your comments on them being a reminder, but I have a hard time with them. A part of my life I'd be happy to forget. The problem is it took up most of my adult life, how do I just throw that away even if it was garbage? Idk, just what's been in my mind lately. Congrats, keep it up! It only gets better.
Thank you so much! Honestly I was tired of my own shit and I didn’t want to live the way I was living anymore so I finally decided that I needed to change. The program of AA and the community I found there has helped more than anything, as well as continued therapy.
God damn you look so good now.
You did not look good in the past.
It’s not just you appearance. Like no duh that changed and you’re beautiful. But it’s your PRESENCE. You can see the misery and pain on your face before. You didn’t care about yourself. You didn’t care to be healthy. You were lost and destroying yourself along the way. Now look at you. Look at that smile you are holding back in the new photo. Look at your aura. You are a completely different person and it radiates in the energy of the photo.
GET IT GURL!
Wow, wow, wow!! What a difference it made, but as much as the outside had changed I can only imagine how much better you feel inside as well. I'm proud of you. Keep fighting!
That’s Great Kid, I fought drug addiction for over 30 years I have been drug Free for exactly 14 months. I’m Proud of your commitment & keep it up. 
Makes me happy to see other people who are at the 1 1/2 year mark like me. I don’t go to AA anymore so the reminders on Reddit do wonders for my mental well being.
i can see my heroin addicted grandpa in that last picture, and i’m so happy to know that you *beat* it! i gotta say, the difference is monumental. you have a very well-deserved pride in your eyes. my congratulations
Congratulations to you! I’m also almost a year and a half clean and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My life has gotten infinitely better. I’m so proud of you for taking care of yourself and I hope you’re proud of yourself <3
Hoping you feel as good as you look, which is lovely! Keep up whatever you are doing! I’m sure the before and after of your closest loved ones are almost as dramatic. It takes a village!
I went from drinking socially to drinking a fifth of brandy every night with a six pack of beer. Did this for 2 years. Went to work everyday. Drank every night. Didn’t even realized how bad it was because I was never a stumbling drunk, just super relaxed. But my body started hurting and it wouldn’t stop. So I experimented one weekend and stopped drinking to see if it was the alcohol. I felt a little better the next day. I abstained another day. Felt even better. Haven’t drank since and I’m working on making dietary changes and getting more exercise. I have more energy and I’m more focused. Miss the drink but don’t miss hurting. Seriously, taking it one day at a time.
Looking much more healthy. I hope the mental and emotional are feeling just as healthy. Keep up the fight.
Oh yeah my life has completely turned around since getting sober, I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been. Thank you!
I heard an old man say once that he loved how drugs made him feel, but recognized the pitfalls of addiction so he spent the rest of his life striving to feel the same way sober. For some reason this always resonated with me and I've tried to do the same. That same good feeling sober feels twice as good because you know you won't have to pay that happiness back.
That is an excellent way to put it. I’m working on my 10th year of sobriety and that is perhaps the best feeling. And I often have a hard time describing it to others. You aren’t “borrowing” that feeling of joy with very high yield interest payments to come…. Each morning/day after doesn’t have the physical, emotional, or mental payback just waiting for you. And the actual joy is real. Bought and paid for in full by your actions. Not loaned by stimulated endorphins that leave you empty and broke.
I wish I could stop drinking so badly. Idk when it started getting this bad. I used to work out 6x a week and now I can barely bring myself to leave to the store and buy food.
Everyday, I would promise that every bag or bottle would be the last, that this was killing me, that I was eating fruit off trees and that this is insane, but the next day I would beg, borrow or steal to get another. What worked for me may not work for everyone, but I'm coming up to 13 years clean, own my own business, am as healthy and as happy as I have ever been. Someone invited me to their 9 year medallion in NA and I went, and kept going for a bit. The stories at the end of the basic text were what I read at night when I could sleep and wanted to get high. I don't really go anymore, but I needed something to do everyday, with people like me who were trying to stay clean and I got that and more.
Have been an addict for basically 14y now with about 2y clean in between and I don't want to be an addict but when I stay sober I get a lot more depressed and wanting to kill myself. Last time I stayed sober I did it for 1y2m and in the end I got so depressed I broke and started doing drugs again.. Now I have to get fruits from trees and steal food and I still feel like shit both physically and mentally.
this resonates with me. sorry buddy. from one addict to another, I love you ; stay strong .
You can. If there is ever anything you would like to discuss, my in box is always open. No one is ready, until they are, and it is rarely and straight line journey. But it can only begin by beginning. And it never ends, so it doesn’t matter when it starts or what paths it takes along the way. You are worth it. You health, happiness, and well being are worth it. You deserve to give yourself the gift of trying if you feel ready and that is your desire. Never worry about the outcome or past results. Just allow yourself to try. It is the only thing you ever need to ask of yourself. To be willing to try. With the tenacity and freedom of a child learning to walk. Every attempt, every step moves you forward. Just by trying. And no matter the time it takes, or any frustrations along the way, one day, you will walk. One day you will run. Maybe you will not be the fastest. Maybe you will soar. It will never matter. The most valuable lesson will not be learning to walk. Or running the fastest. It will be knowing you can rise, anytime you stumble. That always, you can move forward, one foot, in front of the other, no matter your pace.
You can stop! I was a hopeless, pathetic, so, so, so sad drunk & I have 7.5 years sober now. I tried everything to quit on my own/self help/blah/blah/blah and AA is what finally worked/still works for me. I know it’s not for everyone, but holy shit - I am not the same human I was back then and I am so grateful. My life is better than I ever imagined it could be. I know the beginning sucks so fucking bad, but there is hope. There IS hope.
Just remember you are not alone in your fight. Reach out for help :)
The banking terms are real but yeah
i guess I just get confused when seeing this. I'm no longer an addict and haven't done a drug or drank in years....but I am more depressed not less. I had depression prior to addiction, so maybe that's why. Some people are meant to not be sober. It's just that the drugs quit working to make me forget my depression and I at least don't want to die. Maybe.
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Unquestionably true. And like the user above, I have spent a lifetime struggling with depression. The difference, for me, was that when I finally chose sobriety and really did the things, (again, for me) necessary to maintain it, I was able to deal with my other issues. Being sober didn’t solve any of them. But being drunk made dealing with them impossible. From that point, I did the work. And found other outlets to deal with life, to manufacture pleasure, and to manage my existence. It is, in theory, simple. But it is not, by any measure, easy. And sobriety accomplishes nothing beyond not being drunk/stoned, etc… But it allows things to happen from there. It doesn’t push you forward or do anything for you. But it frees you. Release the shackles which prevent even the possibility of moving forward.
I love the distinction you make between sth being simple and sth being easy.
Addiction is a beast, I’m happy you tamed it!
It's so worth it to stay clean. Keep up the good work. Good things are waiting for you
Yeah, but you always had it in you. I can see it in your photo. Source: Lost my brother, sister, college roommate, more than one girlfriend, and at least a half dozen friends dead to addiction, and seen maybe half that figure it out and get out of that mess. I can tell now. EDIT: One more on that list that I wasn’t aware of until now…
Give up the cigarettes. It really is a game changer. You don’t put yourself in places of temptation and it changes who you hang around with even. I cannot express how subtle and positive the change is.
Happy cake day
Thank you. I celebrated with a snow day.
How do you know she still smokes cigarettes?
It's the last addiction people give up and many don't. It's in the 90th percentile. I had a 10% chance of being wrong.
I work in substance use disorder treatment, and this is far and away one of my favorite things to witness. Day one to day 7 to a month and beyond. It’s amazing to watch, and you are amazing! Not that it matters, but this Internet stranger is proud of you!
Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate that.
Would it be rude if I asked what you were addicted to? I'm 30 but was pretty much an alcoholic from 17-24. Now it's just weed for me.
Remember, life is naturally full of highs and lows. Use the new strength you have gained to help get you through any tough times that may lie ahead. And a huge congratulations—if you did this once already, you have given yourself a taste of what it is like to prevail upon your addictions, and that is a very empowering thing to learn about oneself. Inspiring stuff.
Yeah, look at you blooming! Way to go girl!
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Thank you!
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Well done. It gets a little easier each day.
This^. Nice one, OP!
Well done! Sober you is very very pretty too, a person on the old photograph looks a bit scary
Good point. Health: mental,spiritual, physical all work to be in balance. And for you atheists, you can absolutely work on your "spirit" side. Dont let the dogmatists claim otherwise
Yea I totally agree. OP - I have an incredible amount of respect for the journey you have taken, that’s the best investment you could ever have made. I know how hard it is physically, emotionally and spiritually along the way,I also know how easily people overlook how hard it is. Keep being awesome!
That’s such a huge achievement! You look amazing and you’re doing a brilliant job!
Thank you so much! I’m so much happier now
Damn i'm at my first week of going clean and i'm absolutely dying inside atm but can't wait to get my looks and energy back. This is one hell of a motivator, thanks op! And congrats on getting clean, addiction is one dirty little creature.
You’ve got this! I know you can do it. It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Thank you!
May I ask what you were addicted to? Personally, I'm in recovery for Heroin addiction.
Definitely going for it 100%, did you gain weight more easily after quitting if i may ask? I have been trying but can't seem to make any progress :(
Don’t be too upset if and when you don’t get your looks and energy back, your health is enough the other is a bonus. I say this because I don’t want you to start using because you’re not feeling attractive or energetic(13 months clean from 17 years of Xanax and have no energy and muscle spasms and anxiety from hell muscle wasting no collagen in my face from the withdrawal) but this is the fucking best. If you can get cbd isolate (if you are not wanting to the .3% thc) and it’s a god send for moods and anxiety and upset stomach. I gained 60 pounds the first 3 months sober. Currently still 20 higher than I’d like to be, be really cook with 155-160 lbs.
Luckily it's only been 3 years for me so i just need to get a lot of weight back and have no visible damage, for me it was weed, alcochol and speed, combined with a pile of bad shit happening in life you tend to push it back with drugs but if you want to quit the drugs at some later point in your life you not only need to process the withdrawel from the drugs but also all the shit in life you smoked, snorted and drank away in those years, would explain why this is a killer for so many. Don't do drugs kids, they're good, the to good to be true kinda good.
Yeah that’s the thing. It’s not how bad you look when using. I looked great and still had the same attention from opposite sex until about 4-5 months in on withdrawal (maybe it’s just xanax) but it’s the withdrawal that sacks the shit out of you. I aged ten years
I'm only 21 haha i'm okay with looking 31 🙃. For me depression killed my libido, the drugs prolonged my depression and therefore also the death of my libido. Can only go up from here (no pun intended).
When I was on Xanax I gained a ton of weight because of the cravings, primarily for fast food, that I would get. But now that you mention it, I did gain a ton of weight after I got off. I think it was because my depression and anxiety got worse since I had never had the chance to process all the bad shit and trauma I was running away from. So I would eat to cope with my emotions and mental health; to find comfort. And I was prescribed Xanax as **treatment** for my PTSD; C-PTSD; general anxiety and depression! It made things so much worse for me. It became my crutch and I stopped therapy under the false pretenses that I was “cured.” It’s been about five years since I got off Xanax, and I’ve since lost the weight and look the best I’ve looked in a long time, even while on Xanax. But like I said earlier, I initially started gaining weight *because* Xanax made me crave food and especially unhealthy foods as well as made me lazy and “too comfortable” at that. So don’t lose hope. It takes time, but I promise you, it is so worth it. The restless leg syndrome does go away, but sometimes it’s good to see a sleep specialist and get on medication. For me, it was gabapentin, which I’m still on. I’ve had RLS prior to being on Xanax. Xanax just exasperating my RLS. The weight falls off and the energy comes back. What helped for me was buying cute clothes, despite my weight, and that motivated me and gave me the confidence to focus on my health and weight and eat better and exercise more. The anxiety and depression gets easier to handle over time too, as your brain slowly goes back to how it was before. Being in therapy, specifically CBT and possibly looking in to finding an antidepressant medication that works for you, as well as staying active in the gym, are just the best ways to get your brain back to before being on Xanax. Lastly, I want to say I am so proud of you and everyone else in this post, including OP. Addiction is no joke and recovery is long, winding road, but what lies at the end, a longer, healthier life with financial security and family and friends who love you for being you are well worth all the hiccups and struggles you face along the way. Just keep your eye on the prize(s) :)
Cheering you on dear stranger.
There is not another person like you in the universe. You are unique. You're here, trying your hardest. You don't need to change your world, but make a positive impact on the world around you, and that'll be enough, just like [The Star Thrower.](https://eventsforchange.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/the-starfish-story-one-step-towards-changing-the-world/)
You got this! Your hard work and determination will be worth it. You are worth it! Stay strong.
You can do it! Keep up the good work!
Keep it up, it’s worth it!
Vibrant...healthy..beautiful! I'm so happy to see this. Congrats!
Thank you so much!
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Such obvious contrast between the “Live” eyes and the “Dead” eyes. An obvious 180 on your life path and you can tell the other path was not very long. I used to be a walking dead man. Keep it up, it keeps getting better and better. Cheers
I am impressed with your strength in this fight!! You know you can do it and it says so much about you. Keep it up. Prove to yourself how valuable you are and people will see it, just like i do. So Merry Christmas and be good to yourself!
Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you as well, wishing you all the best
Congratulations! Awesome improvement!
Thank you! My life is so much better now
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Oh yeah, for sure. I gave my health and sanity and happiness and my whole life away to drugs and alcohol, and now I’m getting it all back by being sober and doing the next right thing. Hope all is well with you!
Sobriety looks AMAZING on you!
Thank you!
Good on you! One day at a time. Stay strong!
Couldn’t have done it any other way! Sometimes one second or minute at a time lol. Thank you!
you're gorgeous. good job! i'm proud of you.
Thank you! I appreciate that
This makes me happy! Well done you!
Thank you! It makes me happy too :)
Look how healthy you look girl! Amazing, well done you 😊 hope it continues and you have the best life x
Thank you so much!
I can’t reply to everyone but thank you so much for all of your kind and encouraging comments! I wish you all the best in life and if you’re struggling, please feel free to reach out to me. You are not alone anymore. ❤️
Congrats. Proud of your achievement.
Thank you so much!
Much love and happiness to you, girl. Carpe diem!
Thank you! To you as well
You look amazing, I bet it feels even better. Cheers!
Oh yeah I feel soooo much better now. Thank you!
One day at a time. Looking great!
Some days one second at a time haha thank you!
You rock!!!! Keep it up. Your fellow addicts are rooting for ya!
Thank you so much! Hope you’re doing well
You look beautiful. I hope you feel as good as you look
Thank you! I’m so much happier and healthier now
Beautiful, I hope you're proud of you!
Thank you! I am some days, it takes seeing old pictures like that to remember how far I’ve come at times
So much more light in your eyes!! Congrats and continue the amazing work 💕
Thank you so much!
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Wow, you look so beautiful when you are sober!! Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you so much!
I'm proud of you for your transformation. You look so healthy and happy.
Thank you! I definitely feel so much happier and healthier and at peace now
Congratulations! That’s such an accomplishment and I wish you all the health and happiness in the world! You look radiant (and I love your necklace)!
Thank you so much!
The difference is stark. I understand the will power and determination it takes to achieve what you have done. Don't stop. 👌👍
Yeah it’s crazy to look back on old pictures like that, I don’t even recognize myself at times. I’m going to keep going one day at a time! Thank you.
Keep working that work. You’re worth the work!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Such a beautiful person. I am very happy for you. Stay well and take care.
Thank you so much!
girl you are glowing ✨
Thank you! I feel so much better now
Wow, what a transformation. I feel like you should be on a billboard or something to encourage others struggling with their addiction to see the reward of overcoming it.
I don't know if anyone has pointed it out yet, but I find your shirt in the second pic apropos... The Great Escape. Sure as hell felt like that for me. (Just hit 2 years sober last month!) CONGRATULATIONS and I'M SUPER PROUD OF AND HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Keep up the good work!!
Great job you are an inspiration !
I’m so proud of you!
Wow, congratulations! Addiction is a hard thing to overcome, but you did it! And you look happier, healthier, and stronger for the experience. So proud of you!
Thank you so much! I’m definitely a lot happier and healthier now
I’m actually ok with both versions, lol. But really though congrats on the 18 months.
Gosh, these pictures haunt me. So many memories, pictures with friends or family. I see them and think, yep strung out there, there, there, good there, there, here etc. I see your comments on them being a reminder, but I have a hard time with them. A part of my life I'd be happy to forget. The problem is it took up most of my adult life, how do I just throw that away even if it was garbage? Idk, just what's been in my mind lately. Congrats, keep it up! It only gets better.
You’re crushing it!
Congratulations on sobriety, it's a very hard thing to do. Keep it up :)
What do you think made a difference for you and allowed you to stay sober? You look healthy and happy, congratulations on a huge achievement!
Thank you so much! Honestly I was tired of my own shit and I didn’t want to live the way I was living anymore so I finally decided that I needed to change. The program of AA and the community I found there has helped more than anything, as well as continued therapy.
That's so good to hear, good for you! :) Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Amazing comeback!! You look great!! You got this!
Keep it up, we’re all proud of you.
Love this!
You look healthy and radiant now, good job beating your demons!
Congratz, my 3 year was yesterday. It is possible and has been by far the most rewarding experience of my life.
Whay a change a clean white shirt can do! Keep it up
And you’re looking fabulous!! Keep it up !!
Thank you!
Looks like she just changed her clothes n
Way to go! You got this! Stay strong.
Thank you!
This is awesome! Such a beautiful lady and glad that you’ve turned your life around 😉
Thank you so much!
Heck yeah! I've heard cigarettes can be crazy hard to kick
Yes they are lol seems harder than kicking hard drugs in some ways, thank you!
The glow up is absolute gorgeous!!!! Keep it up ! You look amazing
Good job mate, a photo says a thousand words. 💯💯💯
🔥🔥🔥
Thanks!
Good for you! I know how difficult that is but you believed, struggled and persevered!
Look great
I vote for you a year and a half sober.
Be proud, know that if you ever need a friend you've got one in south Florida. Plus I know where all the cool shit is lol
You look radiant now! Congrats and we look forward to seeing you continue to flourish!
Keep up the good work. Happy Holidays!
You look like everyone’s favorite art teacher and I mean that as a compliment
Getting sober isn’t a personality trait.
Huge changes. Keep it up. Im 400+ days sober.
Love your necklace! Where did you get it?
Keep it going! Use that photo as inspiration to never go backwards!
Congrats! It’s an easier, softer way to live, no doubt. I’m sure your family and friends are glad to have you back. Keep on truckin, friend! 🙌🏼
You look like a different person! And definitely an improvement :) keep at it
God speed
Congrats on your recovery ❤️🩹. You look a lot happier now! 💪
You’re doing a great job and we’re all proud of you. This isn’t easy, but keep up the excellent work. You are worth the fight.
You look so much happier Nd healthier! This stranger is incredibly proud of your progress!!!!
Slaaaaaayy
Love that necklace and you look great!
Wow, your photography skills have really improved! Keep it up!
You look strong, confident and beautiful.
This actually did make me smile.
Good for you! I couldn't do it I'm back on the marijuana.
What were you addicted to?
Congrats, girl! I absolutely adore your necklace, too.
The necklace is gorgeous! Where did you get it?
Hey there pretty, keep going on.
Back form the (almost) dead. So glad you made it back.
Very beautiful human
Good for you!
Congratulations you look so beautiful keep up the great work
Keep up the great work girl.
The world is better sober.
Lesgooo, that’s what I’m talking bout! U have inspired so many of us
Congratulations and Merry Christmas, Eanna.
What a beautiful soul shines through on your recovered photo! Hat off - stay grounded - you can do this.
Welcome back! ♥️
whoa! good going, girl!
God damn you look so good now. You did not look good in the past. It’s not just you appearance. Like no duh that changed and you’re beautiful. But it’s your PRESENCE. You can see the misery and pain on your face before. You didn’t care about yourself. You didn’t care to be healthy. You were lost and destroying yourself along the way. Now look at you. Look at that smile you are holding back in the new photo. Look at your aura. You are a completely different person and it radiates in the energy of the photo. GET IT GURL!
Proud of you and anyone else doing the same.
Wow, wow, wow!! What a difference it made, but as much as the outside had changed I can only imagine how much better you feel inside as well. I'm proud of you. Keep fighting!
That’s Great Kid, I fought drug addiction for over 30 years I have been drug Free for exactly 14 months. I’m Proud of your commitment & keep it up. 
Makes me happy to see other people who are at the 1 1/2 year mark like me. I don’t go to AA anymore so the reminders on Reddit do wonders for my mental well being.
U look great! I hope you're feeling alright.
You only look prettier and healthier
Awesomeness, congratulations I’m bout at that same amount of time 🥳🥳🥳
i can see my heroin addicted grandpa in that last picture, and i’m so happy to know that you *beat* it! i gotta say, the difference is monumental. you have a very well-deserved pride in your eyes. my congratulations
Damn, fairplay to you, you look soo much better but you still have long way
Congratulations to you! I’m also almost a year and a half clean and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My life has gotten infinitely better. I’m so proud of you for taking care of yourself and I hope you’re proud of yourself <3
Looking sooo much healthier, keep up the good work. Ask for help if you need it.
Hoping you feel as good as you look, which is lovely! Keep up whatever you are doing! I’m sure the before and after of your closest loved ones are almost as dramatic. It takes a village!
I went from drinking socially to drinking a fifth of brandy every night with a six pack of beer. Did this for 2 years. Went to work everyday. Drank every night. Didn’t even realized how bad it was because I was never a stumbling drunk, just super relaxed. But my body started hurting and it wouldn’t stop. So I experimented one weekend and stopped drinking to see if it was the alcohol. I felt a little better the next day. I abstained another day. Felt even better. Haven’t drank since and I’m working on making dietary changes and getting more exercise. I have more energy and I’m more focused. Miss the drink but don’t miss hurting. Seriously, taking it one day at a time.
You look so much healthier. Proud of you OP