Mum's photos of son taken months apart show devastating toll of drug abuse

26 November 2023 , 08:00

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Cody Bishop pictured before his addiction took hold (Image: Facebook)

A heartbroken mum has shared shocking photos of her son, taken just a few months apart, to document the devastating effects of drug addiction.

Cody Bishop appeared in a post shared by his desperate parent back in October 2019, in which she described him as the "face of heroin and meth". In the first image, Cody is a healthy and smiling 26-year-old. But in the second, taken just seven months later, he is emaciated with sores over his body, and living on the streets.

Cody's mum Jennifer Salfen-Tracy said the pictures should act as a wake-up call on the issue of drug abuse. She wrote at the time: "These pictures were taken seven months apart. That is how fast someone is affected. Cody is still homeless in Las Vegas and I have not heard from him in weeks now. Hearing how bad he is doing is hard but not hearing at all is worse.

Cody Bishop pictured before his addiction took hold (Facebook)

Cody's mum Jennifer shared the shocking photo of her son to show the devastating effects of his addiction (Facebook)

"I am hesitant on sharing but many people ask how things are going so I feel I should share. I have learned along this path that so many people and families deal with the same heartache but just do not talk about it. This is a true issue in our world today that we need to pull together and focus on to fix instead of the government worrying about and spending all their money on throwing each other under the bus."

Thankfully, Cody's this story had a happy ending. In January 2022, Jennifer returned to Facebook with an update - one year after revealing Cody had entered a rehab facility. She shared a new photo of her son, looking happy and healthy, and wrote: "I would now like to say that Cody is the 'Face of Recovery' instead of 'The face of Heroin and Meth'.

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She shared: "It's so crazy to think that just a year ago I put that post on FB updating everyone on Cody Bishop letting them know that he was still homeless and fighting his addiction. Little would I know that the post would lead to him getting help and sober today!

Now, Cody is healthy, happy and sober (Facebook)

"The road has not been easy for him or all of us involved but I could never be more thankful for having my son alive and sober today. For all those that I have never met who have prayed daily and/or helped in any way I could never thank you enough! Today, Cody is sober, working full time, has a relationship with his family and his daughters! God is so good and we are all so blessed. Thank you to everyone! I have my son back, my kids have their brother back and my Granddaughters have their Daddy!"

People were delighted to hear how well Cody had progressed. "Congratulations you look great so healthy and handsome. Take care," one wrote. A second added: "So happy to see this...God Bless and keep you in his care. That's something to be proud of. "

And a third said: Good work Cody!!! I too was a homeless meth addict in Las Vegas years ago. I know the struggle, but I also know the rewards for sobriety!!! When I left that life, I never looked back. It was nothing but UP for me. You look great. I can see your heart in your eyes."

Cody has also shared photos on his own Facebook, and his progress is clear to see. As recently as October he confirmed he is still sober, posting a photo with the quote: "I did drugs. sure I did. I was a junkie. That's a fact. But I also found recovery. Gossip about that."

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please visit drugwise.org.uk or addaction.org.uk for advice and support, or contact helpline DrugFAM on 0300 888 3853 9am-5pm Mon - Fri, or visit drugfam.co.uk.

Gemma Strong