Before and After Alcohol and Drug Addiction Photos

Millions of Americans are trapped in a cycle of drug abuse and addiction. For example, in 2022, approximately 48.7 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the past year.1 Included in that number are 39.7 million adults ages 18 and older, of which 36.8 million of them (or 94.7%) did not seek care through treatment programs for substance use in 2022.1

Visual Effects of Different Drugs

The pursuit of a drug habit can cost these people everything – their friends and family, their home and livelihood. And nowhere is that impact more evident than in the faces of those addicted to drugs or alcohol. Here, the catastrophic effects are plain to see, with photos of people before and after addiction including distortions like skin scabs and decaying teeth. While a drug like crystal meth is often seen as one of the most visibly destructive drugs, leading to facial wasting and open sores, various other illicit drugs and prescription medications can cause equally severe symptoms when continuously misused.2

The use of opioids like OxyContin or heroin can cause flushing and a rash of red bumps all over the skin, while cocaine use can result in a significant drop in appetite and dangerous malnutrition and weight loss.3,4 Ecstasy may cause grinding of teeth and smoking cannabis misuse can impact brain development in adolescents, teens , and young adults.5,6 Even alcohol misuse can lead to chronic dry skin, flushing, and increased risk of skin infections.7

Although the faces of drug addiction pictured here can be harrowing alone in their depiction of the potential decline in appearance, addiction can cause even further damage to one’s overall health and wellbeing. The compulsive nature of addiction causes substance misuse to become the primary focus in someone’s life, often leading them to pursue it at any cost and treat anything else as secondary. Self-neglect can become normal, as can ignoring other personal and professional responsibilities . Unfortunately, as a result, addiction may cause irreversible damages that extend far beyond a person’s physical appearance.

Animated Infographic

Disclaimer

These addiction before and after photos are extreme cases. While it is true that most occasional users would not display these symptoms of deterioration, it is worth considering that the individuals in these photos likely never thought their casual use would result in hardcore addiction. That is how powerful the disease of addiction is, and how devastating it can be to those who fall victim to its effects.

The individuals in these before and after drug addiction photos were arrested on drug charges or related charges. There may be errors in arrest record reporting. All persons are considered innocent of these charges until proven guilty. These photos do not necessarily just show people after drugs and addiction; rather, they depict the physical deterioration of individuals who have been involved in repeated arrests, indicative of a life of crime and/or substance abuse. If any individuals depicted are seeking treatment for addiction, please contact us. Rehabs.com will work with you and we are willing to provide financial assistance.

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These faces of addiction shown above can be alarming and disturbing, but there is hope for recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out to AAC right now by calling . You will be connected to one of our compassionate, experienced rehab admissions navigators who can help you get started on your journey. We are pleased to offer several levels of care at our facilities that can help you or your loved one stop active addiction in its place.

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