5 Before and After Pictures and Stories of Drug Addiction Recovery

Addiction doesn’t play fair. It steals years, wrecks families, and leaves people feeling like they’ll never return. But these five, honest, and hopeful stories prove something powerful: recovery isn’t just possible—it’s real.

What is addiction?

Addiction is more than a bad habit, it’s a mental health disorder that hijacks your brain. It leads to compulsive substance use, even when it wrecks your health, your life, or the people around you. Over 20 million Americans live with substance use disorder, but recovery is within reach, especially when you see what it’s done for others.

1. Jason’s story: from meth addiction to being a dad again

In 2015, Jason Wickline was arrested for making meth in Mount Hope, West Virginia. He was deep in his addiction and lost custody of his 4-year-old son, Krystian. As CPS walked his son to the car, Jason heard, “Daddy, I love you, and I’ll never forget you.” That moment broke him. And it saved him.

A judge gave Jason a second chance: treatment instead of prison. He committed to a 13-month recovery program, stayed clean, and fought to rebuild his life. Today, he’s married, back in his son’s life, and giving back to the recovery community.

Reflecting on how far he’s come, Jason says: “Everything is different now. I surround myself with positive people, and I try to give back. If I can do it, anyone can.”

2. Melissa’s story: heroin, honesty, and the moment everything changed

Melissa Lee Matos woke up from a three-day blackout in 2016, strung out on heroin, Xanax, and Seroquel. She was in an outpatient program but lying her way through it. Deep down, she thought death was the only escape.

In a moment of desperation, she called her mom. “I’m not sober. I’m not okay.” That phone call saved her life. With her family’s support, she got real treatment—and she didn’t look back.

Now, Melissa runs a recovery site, edits for Operation Clean Recovery, and helps others find their way out of the dark.

“You are worthy,” she says. “I’m forever grateful to those who stuck around until I could love myself.”

3. Cody’s Story: a mother’s Facebook post that changed everything

Cody Bishop was homeless, missing, and addicted to heroin and meth. His mother was desperate, so she posted on Facebook. Her message went viral. People found Cody. His family brought him home. And he started rehab.

Cody had been battling addiction since he was 21, when pain pills opened the door to much harder drugs. Now, he’s sober, present, and spending time with his daughters—something he never thought possible.

Cody shares his advice for others: “If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, reach out. That moment can change everything.”