Mark Mainz/Getty Images for TV Guide, CBSOnce-aspiring model Jael Strauss, who appeared as a contestant on "America's Next Top Model," is battling an ugly drug addiction to methamphetamine. In an effort to save her, the ex-model's family reached out to Dr. Phil.
The family and the former cast member appear on Thursday's show, where her shocking transformation as a "full-blown meth addict," as Dr. Phil puts it, is revealed. The former model looks prematurely aged, her skin pockmarked.
Once a band promoter in Hollywood, Strauss appeared on Cycle 8 of the show back in 2007. The 22-year-old made it to the finals and was eliminated after her Cover Girl commercial failed to impress the judges.
Watch a Yahoo! TV interview with Jael right after her elimination from "ANTM" in 2007:
The season took place in Australia, and Strauss made her mark as the model who was pushed into a pool by 50 Cent after apparently annoying him at a party, then gossiping with Nicole Richie, who told her another contestant hated her.
Strauss also dealt with a friend's death from an overdose just a few episodes into the season but decided to remain on the show, saying 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."
[Photos: Meet the co-eds of this season's College Edition of 'ANTM']
In the preview for the "Dr. Phil" episode, Strauss seems to be an unwilling participant: As her family surrounds her, she hits the camera. Then, the once-stunning blonde who wanted to pose for the cameras is afraid to even appear on the set of the show, running on to the Paramount lot outside instead, and seems to resist his help. Dr. Phil follows her, where she finally sits next to him in tears. "The first time in ten years, I came out here to talk to you," Dr. Phil tells her.
The episode of "Dr. Phil" airs on Thursday, September 13. Check out the trailer for the episode:
