Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Colorado

Colorado’s shifting landscape of substance abuse offers a revealing snapshot of how rapidly drug and alcohol usage patterns can evolve. From significant increases in overdose deaths to a rise in alcohol-related fatalities, data shows wide-reaching impacts that span across demographics and geographic boundaries.

This article examines drug and alcohol statistics in Colorado from the mid-2000s through the early 2020s, highlighting the most up-to-date figures on illicit drug consumption, overdose rates, and related health outcomes. The goal is to present these statistics in a concise and factual way, ensuring readers can easily understand and reference the data.

Key Figures at a Glance

The following list provides a snapshot of some of the most notable statistics related to substance use in Colorado:

• 62% increase in total drug overdose deaths between 2015 and 2020
• A 26.5 per 100,000 alcohol-induced death rate, ranking sixth highest nationally
• 65.3% of all overdose deaths in 2020 were linked to fentanyl
• Colorado reported 4% rise in overdose deaths in 2023–2024, despite a 10% national decline

Taken together, these numbers illustrate a situation that continues to demand attention. Each figure connects to an underlying pattern of substance use, with deeper trends evolving over the last two decades.

Historical Patterns in Substance Use

Data from the early 2000s shows that Colorado had already emerged as a state with above-average rates of drug use and associated mortality.

• By 1999–2000, 8.9% of Coloradans aged 12+ reported using illicit drugs in the past month
• By 2010–2011, adult past-month illicit drug use reached 13.39%, exceeding the national figure of 8.82%
• Drug-induced deaths were recorded at 13.4 per 100,000 during this period
• Methamphetamine accounted for 31% of primary treatment admissions by 2015

The following table highlights key historical data points that shaped the early trajectory of Colorado’s substance use statistics.

While prescription opioid misuse had already begun rising in rural counties, methamphetamine remained a leading driver of substance-related admissions during this era.

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Recent Overdose Trends

In the late 2010s and beyond, Colorado saw a notable spike in overdose deaths, driven largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

• Between 2018 and 2021, the age-adjusted overdose death rate rose from 16.5 to 31.7 per 100,000
• Fentanyl was involved in 65.3% of overdose deaths in 2020
• Denver alone saw a 22% rise in fentanyl deaths from 2022 to 2023
• Methamphetamine-related fatalities grew by 50% from 2020 to 2021

The table below illustrates how overdose mortality has progressed over the last few years, showing increasing challenges across the state.

Although national overdose numbers began stabilizing in some areas, Colorado continued seeing a 4% rise from 2023–2024, highlighting a regional divergence from broader trends.

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Alcohol-Related Mortality and Use

Alcohol use has become a pressing issue in Colorado alongside illicit drugs, with recent figures drawing increased attention.

• Colorado’s alcohol-induced death rate reached 26.5 per 100,000, the sixth highest in the nation
• Deaths related to alcohol more than doubled between 2009 and 2021
• In 2021, alcohol fatalities rose by 13%, contrasting with stable national trends
• Per capita alcohol consumption stands at 645 drinks/year, outpacing the national average of 536

The jump in alcohol-related issues mirrors the rise in polysubstance use, where alcohol frequently intersects with methamphetamine or opioids.

Despite heightened awareness, Colorado’s growing alcohol-related death rate continues to set it apart from states where these numbers have remained steady or dropped.

Demographic and Geographic Disparities

Substance use data in Colorado reveals significant differences based on age, gender, and location.

• 12.2% of adolescents (12–17) reported past-month illicit drug use in 2019
• Around 7.1% of teens met criteria for a substance use disorder
• Men’s reported illicit drug use was 12.3%, compared to 9.5% among women
• Denver accounted for 20% of drug deaths statewide from 2020 to 2022
• Rural Southern counties (Rio Grande, Las Animas, Alamosa) recorded the highest overdose rates due to scarce treatment options

In addition to these patterns, certain demographics—like millennials—commonly report higher rates of unmet treatment needs, indicating potential gaps in targeted interventions.

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Treatment Gaps and Admission Data

Data on treatment admissions and overall access underscores the complexity of confronting Colorado’s substance-related challenges.

• 95,000 Coloradans needed but did not receive substance use treatment in 2019
• 34% of individuals cited stigma as a primary barrier to accessing care
• Only 12% of treatment facilities are in non-urban areas
• Heroin admissions rose by 52% from 2015 to 2019, while meth admissions increased by 31%
• 1.6% of those with alcohol use disorders received medication-assisted treatment

Shortfalls in rural services, concerns around treatment affordability, and persistent stigma continue to hinder progress in addressing substance abuse statewide.

As evidenced by admission data and unmet treatment needs, the demand for effective interventions continues to strain the existing infrastructure.

Key Statistics Summary

• Overdose deaths in Colorado nearly doubled from 16.5 to 31.7 per 100,000 between 2018 and 2021
• Fentanyl contributed to 65.3% of all overdose fatalities in 2020
• Colorado’s alcohol-induced death rate is 26.5 per 100,000, ranking sixth highest nationally
• Only 1.6% of individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders received medication-assisted treatment

Collectively, these figures show a consistent upswing in substance-related harm throughout Colorado, driven by growing methamphetamine use, a surge in fentanyl-related tragedies, and rising alcohol fatalities. Demographic and regional differences further highlight the need for a multifaceted understanding of substance abuse in the state.

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