Addiction is an illness that doesn't discriminate. Regardless of the size of your wealth, a drug or alcohol addiction can ruin your life and negatively impact those around you. Just ask America's Next Top Model alum Jael Strauss.
Strauss was one of the contestants on season 8 of the popular show hosted by Tyra Banks. She rose in ranks week after week, but unfortunately she couldn't crack the top 5 and was sent packing towards the end of the season.
While appearing on the show, the Michigan native revealed that she had a tough childhood, and had hoped that winning the show would give her the big break she needed to be successful.
Unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan, and Strauss found herself living out her worst nightmares. She was stuck in a cycle of addiction and eventually ended up on the streets.
Her family even turned to Dr. Phil to help her overcome her meth addiction, but their efforts were futile. They managed to convince to her fly to Los Angeles to appear on the show, but she refused to take part in the intervention.
"First of all, I was interventioned, meaning I did not have a choice," Strauss explained in an interview with Toofab.com. "I do feel that The Dr. Phil Show exploited me and has done that to other people and their addictions."
Strauss was very well aware of the consequences of using drugs (her best friend's father died of an overdose while she was on ANTM), but that didn't stop her. When she appeared on Dr. Phil, she was noticeably thinner, her teeth were damaged and her skin was visibly damaged.
It took some time, but Strauss finally entered rehab and has been drug-free ever since. She shared photos on her Instagram page, revealing how much healthier and happier she is.
Read the full story on Shared.com
Photo: Shared.com