The United States is in the midst of a crippling opioid and heroin epidemic that does not discriminate. Just this week, Faithwire covered the tragic story of 23-year-old Delaney Farrell, who had been battling a heroin addiction for about five years when she died of an overdose on July 1. And while the number of opioid prescriptions in the U.S. has decreased in recent years, the figure is still three times higher than it was in 1999, and four times higher than rates in Europe.
In an effort to demonstrate the devastating effects these powerful drugs have on not just the mind, but the body as well, Better Addiction Care (BAC), a national network of treatment centers, has released a series of sobering time-lapse videos featuring the mugshots of Americans who have been charged with possession of illegal substances.
The goal is to help people “better visualize the physical impact of common drugs such as cocaine and heroine,” and the results are nothing short of haunting:
“Drug abuse has a negative impact on many aspects of a user’s life. Personal relationships, mental well-being, and physical appearance are just a few of those areas affected by the recreational use of illegal substances,” a statement on the BAC site reads. “The physical toll drugs take on a human body can be quite shocking and often range from weight loss to open sores and scabs on the face.”
Looking closely at the dates of the mugshots, it is clear that some of the physical changes happen quickly, while others take time. BAC notes that some common signs of addiction include “changes in appetite, broken teeth, loss of skin elasticity, drastic weight loss, rapid aging, widespread sores from picking, and pale skin tone.”
See all of the photos HERE.
The treatment center recommends that anyone concerned that a friend or loved one is addicted to drugs should seek an expert opinion.
Continued prayers are needed for all struggling with addiction, and the family and friends trying to help.
(H/T: Daily Mail)