What Data Shows

National & Colorado Data

Drug overdoses are one of the leading causes of injury death in the US and have risen 4 fold over the past several decades in the United States. More than 80,000 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in 2023. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, are driving the majority of these deaths. Colorado has also experienced a sharp increase in overdose fatalities, especially in rural and frontier regions with limited access to treatment services.

Over 10,000 people were admitted to Colorado emergency departments due to nonfatal drug overdoses, and over 1600 people died from a drug-related overdose across the state in 2024 (data from CDPHE).

A shaded map of Colorado displaying drug overdose death rates by county. Each county is labeled with its name and a numeric overdose death rate per 100,000 residents. Higher-rate counties appear in darker shades and include Las Animas (69.5), Rio Grande (39.6), Conejos (27.7), Huerfano (38.1), and Denver (39.2). Lower-rate counties appear in lighter shades and include Gunnison (6.7), Hinsdale (0.0), San Juan (8.7), and Morgan (8.2). The map shows variation in overdose deaths across the state, with generally higher rates in the southern region.

Age adjusted rate of overdose deaths in Colorado 2024

Overdose rates by age group/region

Knowing the risk and the facts about substance use in Colorado youth and adults is important.

Youth Substance Use

The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) provides insight into youth behaviors, protective factors, and risks. Highlights from 2023:

Almost 1 in 4 high schoolers said it would be easy to access prescription pain medication not prescribed to them.
3 in 4 youth reported having a trusted adult to talk to about serious problems, but 26.9% did not.
Around 1 in 4 youth reported poor mental health in the past month.
1 in 5 youth in Southwest Colorado reported binge drinking or marijuana use in the past month.
Nearly half of youth do not discuss substance use with parents or guardians.

Las Animas-Huerfano Needs Assessment

Impact on Youth, Families, and Communities

Substance use negatively impacts people, families, and the whole community. Staying informed about what substance use in Colorado looks like is the first step to solving the problem.

Research shows that substance use can interfere with brain development, decision‑making, and academic success in youth.

For Families impacted, substance use bring: emotional stress, instability, and financial strain.

Communities also see great impact due to economic loss, homelessness, and overburdened health systems.

National & Colorado Data

Youth Substance Use

Impact on Youth, Families, and Communities

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