Perhaps the most memorable drug free slogan used in the national effort against drug abuse is “Just Say No.” In order to discourage impressionable young children from dangerous drug use, parents, teachers, and communities have all utilized drug free slogans to deliver their message. Slogans are highly effective in the effort against drugs because they are memorable, direct, and allow children to feel that turning down drugs is acceptable. Most drug free slogans use a catchy rhythm or rhyming words and accentuate the positive benefits of choosing to abstain from drugs. Examples of some popular and widely used drug free slogans include “Drug Free is the Way to Be,” “Up With Hope, Down With Dope,” and “Get High on Life.” Each of these slogans was thrust into the public consciousness at one point or another during the last two decades, as federal and state governments waged a War on Drugs.

Another drug free slogan which became a phenomenon of its own was “This Is Your Brain. This is Your Brain on Drugs. Any Questions?” This ubiquitous challenge to children and teens was read aloud by a grave voice, while the television screen showed an egg being smashed by a frying pan. The message of this drug free slogan was brutally clear: drug addiction irrevocably destroys the brain. The iconic “This Is Your Brain” drug free slogan was a mainstay of anti-drug campaigns for years and eventually became a classic reference point for the effort to discourage youth drug abuse.

Drug free slogans will always be a critical component of anti-drug efforts simply because they have proven to be effective. When young children are introduced to drug free slogans early in the educational process, the likelihood that they will begin using drugs is significantly reduced. Current drug free slogans like “I’m Free to Be Me, When I’m Drug Free” and “Drugs Are Whack, So Watch Your Back” incorporate the latest slang and often touch on popular songs or television shows. When a drug free slogan is accepted by mainstream media figures and role models, children are inevitably drawn to their message. Today, anti-drug advertising campaigns feature drug free slogans as a central aspect of their effort to dissuade children and teens from ever picking up their first drug.