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If you’ve ever had a friend or family member who has struggled with drug addiction, you know that it is a truly terrible experience that affects not only the addict but all the people close to them.

The good news is some people can overcome their addictions and turn their lives around.

Which is exactly what these people did. I think these powerful photos will surprise you.

1. Look at the difference!

2. She’s now glowing!

3. This is insane!

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8 months ago I overdosed and almost lost my life. The doctor said he didn’t know how I survived. I was in the ICU for 10 days and my face was partially paralyzed. I got out of the hospital and immediately started using again. Broken and beaten I eventually sought professional help, and after that I moved into a sober living. Today, I am 84 days sober. My face healed and my life has changed in so many ways. The journey hasn’t been perfect, but it definitely has been worth it. Show this picture to your family and friends. This is the end result of drugs. I am one of the lucky ones. #TheAddictsDiary #overdose #opiodcrisis #drug #drugaddiction #opiodcrisis #endopiateaddiction #recovery #newmexico #recoveringaddict #odaat #sponsor #aa #na #miracle #mentalhealthawareness

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4. Wasn’t supposed to make it!

5. Great job!

What 5 Years Clean From Heroin Looks Like. from pics

6. Anything is possible!

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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 & 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 & 8 months & I have a 6 and a half 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. Anything is possible, don't give up. Do anything. Just don't ever give up. #TheAddictsDiary #recovery #prayer #anxiety #meth #crystalmeth #arrest #mugshot #comebackstory #hope #faith #aa #na #miracle #sober #odaat

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7. Overcame all of it!

This is me in Dec 1995. This is me in Dec 2017. I overcame addiction, homelessness, and a history of incarceration. Been sober 20 years next month. from pics

8. Stay clean!

As of today, I am 4 years clean from drugs. I have a career, a house, a dog, and a fiancé. It was a struggle but it is definitely worth it. Stay Strong! from pics

9. From pain to joy!

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

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10. Lucky to be here!

11. It’s a wonderful life!

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! from happy

12. Don’t look back!

13. Keep it up!

6 years clean

14. A whole new person!

7 months alcohol and heroin free. from pics

15. A beautiful woman!

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#drugaddiction #hope #theaddictsdiary #recovery

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Those photos are very painful but they are a powerful reminder of how easy it is for everyday people to get hooked on drugs.

Kudos to all of these folks for kicking their habits, because it is a very difficult thing to do!