If you or someone you know has a substance use problem, you’re probably well aware of how much of a struggle it can really be—for everyone involved. Getting sober is one of the most challenging things they can do—but it CAN be done. And when it’s done, it’s one of the most humbling experiences to ever shape a human.

Take these 11 amazingly brave people, who all became sober. On their social media pages, they decided to share before and after photos from when they were sick to now—and boy, do photos ever say a thousand words.

Even though substance abuse is mental, the physical changes in these former addicts are evident. And incredible. Check out these amazing people who shared their story below.

  1. Breanna Trevisanut

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    All I used to look forward to was getting wasted. I was so uncomfortable in my skin that I only felt “good” when I was partying. Getting sober is hard and at times uncomfortable. But it has given me my life back. Everyday I make the conscious decision to stay sober because now I know that I could never go back to the hopelessness that I used to feel. I still have hard days and am still trying to cope with my anxiety but I have achieved so much in sobriety that it makes it all worth it. I often say that I feel like I’m a teenager again because I’m relearning how to “be” without all the vices I used to give into. I feel like I’m finally getting to know who I am and what I want in life because I’m finally not distracted anymore. I don’t feel the need to lose myself in a person or a substance because I’m actually okay with just being ME. 🖤 #sobriety #sobertransformation #odaat #soberaf #happiness #anxiety #health #fitness #motivation #inspiration #motivationmonday

    A post shared by Breanna Trevisanut (@breannatrevs) on

  2. Morgan Stroberg

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    It’s amazing how much my life has changed in 76 almost 77 days. #sober #soberjourney #recoveringalcoholic #recoveringaddict #recoveryispossible #soberasfuck #soberchick

    A post shared by Morgan Lynn (@morganlynn1995) on

  3. Julia Ghaith

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    Wow that glow up!! The first photo is taken 4 years ago, well into the wee hours in the morning, and all I had left to drink was warm beer, so warm beer it was! Nothing was going to stop my buzz! Now nothing can stop my GLOW ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #zeroalcohol #nohangovers #nonalcoholic #nolowalcohol #nolowmovement #sobercurious #soberliving #soberlifestyle #soberaf #mindfuldrinking #healthyhedonist #soberjourney #alcoholfree #sobermovement #soberlife #soberisthenewblack #sobrietyjournal #glowup #glowupchallenge #soberbeforeandafter #beforeandafter #sobervsdrunk

    A post shared by Julia Ghaith (@thesoberxbartender) on

  4. Simon Chapple

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    Pic on the left was before I quit drinking, the one on the right was after just a few weeks. If it makes this much difference on the outside after such a short space of time imagine all the positive things happening inside to your body and mind! I’m over 4 months sober now and love this new life! #soberbeforeandafter #beforeandafter #beforeandafterdrinking #soberjourney #soberbenefits #soberhealth #healthyandsober #alcoholstory #soberlife #soberblogs #soberwebsites #alcoholgroups #soberaf #soberforthehealthofit #soberhealthylife #alcoholskin #betterskin #bettereyes #brighteyes

    A post shared by Quit Alcohol – Simon Chapple (@besoberandquit) on

  5. Samantha Cole

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    I’m 2 1/2 years sober yesterday. The first picture is me in my active addiction. I was always hiding behind substance scared to be myself. The person I use to be was desperate for love, and desperately wanted to fit in.. drank so much that she hated herself and wanted to die. I don’t know who that girl is anymore. Today I have hope, I believe in myself, I love my self. I don’t have cravings to drink, some days I still think about it but then I remember how horrible my life was before I got help. I have had so much support through my journey. And I am grateful for everyone. Thanks for following my sober journey friends ️ #sobriety #sober #selfie #soberissexy #addictionrecovery #addiction #recovery #odaat #happiness #joy #freedom #progressnotperfection #easydoesit #loveyourself #beyourself #alcoholic #help #acceptance #struggle #love #cleanandsober #happy #sobergirl #girl #blonde #soberdivas #sobermovement #serenity

    A post shared by Samantha Cole (@soberdreamer) on

  6. Rachel Brady

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    “What if I fall?” “Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” #transformationtuesday

    A post shared by RACHEL | Sober Sister (@shotstoshakes) on

  7. Karla Leon

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    2 years difference to the date. I don’t think drinking at a bubble run is cute anymore. #tuesday #tuesdaymotivation #tuesdaytransformation #transformationtuesday #holycrap #why #notcute #sober #21monthssober #thankyouGod 🏼 #fitnessmotivation #fitness #fitnessjourney #weightlossjourney #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstransformation #sobertransformation #grateful #happy #energetic #ihavemorefunnow #plusiremember

    A post shared by Karla Leon (@karlafleon) on

  8. Chelsea Dueitt

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    #flashbackfriday to almost 5 years ago. I was deep in addiction and fighting my way out of it tooth and nail. I was in route to the north eastern part of the US from my home in Mississippi, hoping that relocating would help me start my journey to a clean and sober life in recovery. Before I found recovery I could not complete anything. I would start a job and messit up, I would start school and flunk out. It was a never ending cycle of cat and mouse chase. It’s been almost 5 years since I took that picture on the left and in August, God willing, I will celebrate five years of continuous sobriety. Trust me, if I would’ve found a way to use successfully l’d probably still be using. That wasn’t me. I had a real issue that required a mental, physical, behavioral and spiritual change in order to grow up and function in today’s world. Since I’ve been in recovery, I’ve gained so much! I just recently obtained my bachelors degree -something I never thought I would ever complete. I’ve recently changed my eating and exercise habits and that has enhanced my recovery unlike anything thus far. Everyday is a gift and a new adventure! I just felt like sharing this little piece of my life with you all today for a #fbf. . . . #recoveryworks #recovery #strongerthan #strongerthanstigma #motivated #girlswholift #graduation #addiction #soberissexy #soberliving #sober #crossfitgirls #happy #excited #beyourbestself

    A post shared by Chelsea Dueitt (@chelseadueitt) on

  9. Sheresse Spence

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    Four years ago today, on March 3, 2014, I made the decision to attempt a new life–a sober one. I had no idea what that was going to look like and I was scared of the idea of a life without substance but I had hit my bottom and knew that something had to change. Flashback to my last month of drinking. I was drinking a 5th of Whiskey every day and if I had more than one bottle in the house it was hidden to fear of anyone drinking it. I was the definition of a drunk. I had whiskey in my coffee, orange juice.. you name it and I guarantee it was there. I had two or more shots before I went anywhere or did anything, most of the time I brought it along. I worked from home being a drunk was something I got away with constantly until I started getting so drunk I was passing out and forgetting about my clients. Drinking over took my job, my bank account and my life causing me to be evicted and with no place to live. Since quitting I realized that even though I have learned so much about being an alcoholic, most of the world is ignorant to the fact that this casual term “alcoholic” is not something to be taken lightly. We alcoholics are often ashamed because of the behavior that comes along with it. But what I have learned is that being a sober, recovering alcoholic is the only way that I am going to have a chance at living a full and meaningful life. I have really overcome the darkness! Today I have an amazing job as a Store Manager that I’ve been at for nearly 3 years, I own a home and I have an amazing guy that has loved and supported me the whole way! I am so glad to have such an amazing community of friends and family who have encouraged me and helped me through the past four years. I have stuck through it and with Jesus and Family by my side I will keep going strong because sober life is the real kick and I’m gonna live my life for real. 🏻 ️#soberlife #sobrietyrocks #praisegod “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

    A post shared by Sher (@freegirl86) on

  10. Brad McLeod

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    Do not quit before the miracle. I wanted to share a little transformation today with everyone. I have to be honest this picture is slightly embarrassing for me. Just seeing it brought me right back to how I was thinking and feeling at that time in my life. The thoughts and emotions where in line with hopeless, depressed and an overwhelming amount of sadness. I was headed to where good. I was deep into the insanity. I did not think anything was wrong with the way I was living. Most people went to the movies, bowling and out to dinner. I had different interests: using drugs. I promised myself and those around me this would be the last time I was arrested and I would turn my life around. That did not happen I was arrested several years later spending 12 months in jail. When I look back at my journey I had so many chances to get on the right track. So much support from people around me. I had also attended a 12 month residential treatment program. It was tough letting those around me down for so many years when I knew I had so much more to offer the world and my relationships. For years it seemed like nothing could fill the empty void I had inside of me. I could be in a crowd of people and still felt alone. Using heroin became my escape from the thoughts, emotions and natural consequences of life. Looking back I had no idea that one pill would take me where it did. Going back 8 years I made a commitment to myself sitting in a 5×5 or so jail cell. I looked into a mirror made out of metal so the reflection was not the best and had a short conversation. It went like this “Are you enjoying your current situation (jail)? Me: “NOPE” “Than it is going to be up to you to do something about it” Me: “But I have no idea how to, I have been living in insanity and that is all I know.” All of a sudden something came to my mind “start by LOVING yourself.” If you have made a better life for yourself you are a warrior. If you are still struggling there is HOPE. Never forget that. Thank you everyone for the continued support on bringing a positive message with my story.

    A post shared by Brad McLeod (@brad_mcleod) on

  11. Austin Cooper

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    I remember being completely miserable. I felt hopeless and ashamed. I had consequences piling up and I saw no way out. But a glimmer of hope from someone’s social media post appeared and I realized that recovery is possible. I decided to put one foot forward and start tackling my problems and turning them into the foundation that has built the person I am today. No matter the struggle, it was worth it.

    A post shared by Sober Evolution (@soberevolution) on

How incredible are these humans?

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