Looks

Alcohol-related changes in hydration, inflammation, sleep and organ health may affect appearance, with some changes improving in recovery.

Substance use can be part of the explanation for changes in skin, eyes, weight or oral health, but appearance cannot establish what someone uses or whether they have addiction. The same visible change may have several causes, and substantial illness may have few outward signs.

Changes can matter because they affect comfort, confidence or how others respond. Wanting care for them is reasonable. Recovery, however, has no required face, body size or smile. Looking different is not a test of progress, and looking well is not proof that a health problem has resolved.

New yellowing of the eyes or skin needs urgent medical assessment. Other new, persistent or unexplained changes are worth discussing with a health professional rather than assuming they are cosmetic or will disappear after stopping a substance.

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