America’s Next Top Model star turned homeless crystal meth addict is finally clean after the drugs ravaged her stunning looks
AMERICA'S Next Top Model was Jael Strauss' shot at fame and fortune.
But after appearing on Tyra Banks' reality show a decade ago her life spiralled out of control and she became a homeless crystal meth addict whose once-striking looks were left ravaged by drug use.
Now 32-years-old, Jael was a finalist in the eighth series of the popular show in 2007, which inspired Britain's Next Top Model, before giving in to an addiction that rotted her teeth and covered her body in sores.
Four and a half years ago, a public intervention by TV chat show host Dr Phil set Jael on the path to recovery - and now she's three years sober.
She told : "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my entire life. This journey was very unexpected.
"I've been sober for three years and three months now. Not a drink, not a pill, not a joint, not a line, nothing. It's really amazing.
"It's a huge miracle to still be breathing after what I was up to and I'm so grateful. Whatever path and twists and turns I had to take to get here, I don't regret any of them."
Jael, who works at a rehab centre in Austin, Texas, said of her time on Dr Phil: "I know that my story has helped so many people... so I wouldn't change that, but it was not voluntary."
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Her family appeared on the show, which recently brought us 'Cash Me Ousside girl' Danielle Bregoli and the woman who was convinced she was pregnant with baby Jesus in 2012.
On the popular American chat show they explained that a six-year battle with narcotics had left Jael a "full-blown meth addict" and close to death.
The model, who was living on the streets of Los Angeles at the time, first started to lose control after a close friend overdosed in 2007 - while Jael was competing in ANTM.
She said at the time: “There was never, never a question in my mind to leave the competition. My friend is gone and I am still here living life to the fullest.”