Addictions are terrible, but only the brave can get out of this terrible world, and one of them is Kenny Dunn. With a wide smile, an athletic body and a healthier life, he is what this young man looks like today, but a decade ago he was just a scrap of a man.
Although it was not an easy road, Kenny has worked hard to stay sober and just this November he will celebrate his first five years with a new life. Through various photographs, he has documented the entire process and the change in him is truly incredible.
This is what Kenny Dunn looked like a day after getting sober
In 2016, he was at the lowest point of his addiction, drinking 12 to 14 alcoholic drinks every day and blacking out three to four times a week. Fortunately, he decided to change his life with the help of yoga, concentration and discipline, so he wanted to inspire other people by sharing his progress on social networks.
I have decided that my annual images and progress are no longer about my own recovery, but about the need to share the message of hope with addicts around the world.
After 30 days, the change was already noticeable
The biggest difference between that man five years ago and me today is my attitude. I wake up every day excited about what comes next. Even in the seemingly mundane parts of my life I can find satisfaction in what I do, that is the true gift that I have been given.
The 12 step meetings were a great help
But it wasn’t just following the 12 steps that helped Kenny, he also started fixing his diet and cutting out carbs.
Exercise was key to his recovery
I was once a man who couldn’t do more than a simple push-up let alone a pull-up. In the month of October 2020 accumulate 1500 push-ups. I remember when I did five push-ups in a row, I thought it was a miracle. I never could have done it without the exercise.
He assures that it is brave to ask for help
For Kenny, asking for help is not a weakness, which is why he is always fighting side by side with people who ask for help.
If you feel like you’re absolutely at your lowest point and can’t continue living with addiction, reach out to someone you trust. A friend, a family member, a co-worker, anyone.
In my experience, the best way to recover is to reach out to other people. I tried to stop myself, but it was just a lesson in futility. If you don’t know who to contact, you can send me a message on Twitter or Instagram.
Two years into his sobriety, he was happy
And her smile appeared every day because she was finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. However, she still continues to fight against addictions so as not to fall again.
I could never have been in the best shape of my life at 38 years old if I hadn’t been consistent and dedicated.
Now his best job is to exercise
Kenny used to exercise three or four times a week, but he increased the number to five as his body began to gain more agility and skills.
I’m sure that sounds like a lot, but it will never add up to the amount of time I wasted drunk on the couch. It certainly isn’t as time consuming as watching TV and drinking.
This last year has been difficult, but keep working
The last year and a half has been a real nightmare for addicts and their families. Once meetings were put on hold due to the pandemic, it was difficult to connect with newcomers. The guys I work with have been amazing at how hard they’ve worked to stay sober. Anyone who has stayed clean and sober during this time is truly a miracle.
His change is evident and he looks better than ever
This is how Kenny was before and this is how he is after five years sober, fighting and getting happier.