Raising Awareness

The Free Mind campaign was created to raise awareness about the connection between youth substance use and mental health. Its mission is to help prevent substance use, overdose, addiction, and related harms among youth ages 12–17 while encouraging healthy decision-making and emotional well-being.

The campaign educates youth about the risks of substance use, prescription drug misuse, and addiction, while also highlighting how mental and behavioral health challenges can influence those risks. Free Mind encourages young people to focus on the parts of life they can control and make choices that support their health and future.

Through nationwide discussions with youth and parents or caregivers, the CDC found that young people were often more comfortable talking about mental health than substance use. However, many understood the strong connection between the two. When conversations included both topics, youth and families became more open to discussing stress, emotional struggles, and the importance of asking for help.

These discussions showed a growing need for more resources, awareness, and support for both youth and caregivers. The campaign also recognizes the important role parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and community leaders play in helping young people make positive choices.

By promoting honest conversations and providing helpful tools and information, the Free Mind campaign works to support healthier futures for youth and their communities.

Free Mind Campaign is a CDC initiative. For more about the Free Mind Campaign please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/free-mind/toolkit/index.html