Harrowing new vision shows the shocking effects of drug addiction

A site aimed at helping addicts into rehab has released a series of chilling new videos that chronicles the devastating impact drug addiction takes on users.

Rehabs.com's "Faces of Addiction" project takes the tried-and-tested before-and-after formula photos of drug users and turns them into confronting GIFs.

The site used the mug shots of 13 men and women who were booked on drug related charges to show the harrowing effect of addiction.

"Few things take a physical toll on the body quicker than illicit drugs," the website reads.

"Not only does the body deteriorate in a rapid fashion, the face is dramatically affected as well."

One shocking graphic shows the transformation of a 25-year-old woman who was charged with methamphetamine possession. In it, her once plump and youthful face gradually becomes sallow and ridden with open scabs.

Another highlights the tragic decline of a 59-year-old woman over the course of 16 years.

The site is quick to point out, however, that the pictures are extreme cases and "do not necessarily show the direct result of drug abuse or addiction."

Rehabs.com works to help addicts find suitable drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres.