Everyone is Recovering from Something.Break Free is changing the way we talk about substance use, mental health, disordered eating, and living a life in recovery.
Through stigma reduction, education, harm reduction, prevention, advocacy, and culture, we create spaces where people can find community, support, and the freedom to recover out loud.
Recovery Shouldn't Happen in the Shadows.
Stigma kills. Misinformation leads to a fundamental misunderstanding. And inaccessible resources can make the path towards recovery feel winding and difficult to navigate.
Break Free exists to change that.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to change the conversation surrounding substance use, mental health, disordered eating, co-occurring disorders, and living a life in recovery.
We believe recovery deserves to be visible.
We believe education can prevent harm.
We believe people deserve compassionate, accessible information and resources without judgment.
And above all, we believe there is life beyond what you are going through.
Our Work
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Education
We make information about mental health, substance use, harm reduction, recovery, and co-occurring disorders easier to understand and access through our resources and workshops.
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Harm Reduction
Every step toward safety matters. We connect people with practical information and resources intended to reduce harm while respecting dignity, autonomy, and lived experience.
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Prevention
We promote awareness of warning signs, healthier coping strategies, and resources so individuals and communities are better equipped to seek support earlier.
Break Free’s Recovery on the Runway
During New York Fashion Week, Break Free transforms the runway into a celebration of recovery and second chances.
Recovery on the Runway is a completely sober runway experience bringing together emerging designers, artists, models, and members of the recovery community to challenge the stigma surrounding living a life in recovery.
Designers are selected not only for their talent but also for their ability to contribute to the conversation. Many draw upon their own lived experiences using fashion as a form of storytelling.
Members of the recovery community are invited to participate both on and off the runway, and tickets are made available to anyone within their first year of recovery at no cost.
The result is more than a fashion show. It is a declaration that recovery does not mean the end of a person's story. It is just the beginning.
As Seen In
Our work has gained international mainstream and fashion media attention
Alexandra Nyman, Break Free Foundation’s Founder
“It is an understatement to say that the fashion industry is the biggest influencer in how we as a society choose to present ourselves to the world and can influence how the wearer feels about themself. We will continue to raise our voices during New York Fashion Week in an effort to raise awareness about mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance use disorders in the fashion industry and beyond.”
Join the Movement
There are countless ways to Break Free.
Walk the runway. Volunteer. Partner with us. Sponsor our work. Share your story. Attend an event.
However you choose to participate, you're helping build a world where recovery isn't hidden and asking for help is common sense instead of sparking a feeling of shame or distress.