Key points

Some ad campaigns, especially anti-smoking ones, stopped youths from starting smoking and encouraged quitting.

Past anti-drug ads directed toward deterring youths from drugs were less effective.

In 1985, when cocaine abuse escalated, prevention campaigns and the work of experts made a difference.

The CDC just launched a campaign, “ Free Mind,” to teach youth about the connections between substance use and mental health. Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention, said, "The goal is to prevent drug overdose by addressing this connection." Education for prevention campaigns and ads work best when integrated with cessation or help resources like quitlines or treatment finders.

Ranking Best Prevention Efforts

Among the best anti-

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