What Data Shows
The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) collects information about how kids and teens in Colorado use drugs and alcohol. Below are some highlights from the 2023 Survey results. Get more information about HKCS.
- Almost 1 in 4 Colorado high schoolers feel it would be easy to get prescription pain medicine not prescribed to them.
- 3 in 4 Colorado youth feel they have a trusted adult they can talk to about a serious problem.
- Around 1 in 4 Colorado high schoolers have had poor mental health within the last month.
Knowing the risk and the facts about substance use in Colorado youth and adults is important.
The Impact of SUD
Substance use disorder (SUD) is the inability to control the use of a particular substance(s), including drugs and/or alcohol, despite the harmful consequences.
SUD negatively impacts people, families, and the whole community. Staying informed on what substance use in Colorado looks like is the first step to solving the problem.