Colorado Drug Control Statistics

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Daniel Perlman who has years of legal experience as a Federal Crimes attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last Modified: January 28, 2025
January 28, 2025
Colorado drug control statistics

Drug control is a major focus in Colorado. The state deals with challenges like rising drug use and overdose deaths. Awareness of these issues is key to creating practical solutions.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers help people facing drug-related charges in Colorado. Our team knows the complexities of drug laws and how they relate to public health issues. We are committed to protecting your rights and providing expert legal representation.

Drug use affects communities across the state. Overdose death rates continue to rise, especially with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. By looking at the available data and health statistics, we can better understand the problem and its solutions.

Overview of Drug Control Statistics in Colorado

Based on the data from the Colorado Drug Control Update, here are a handful of key statistics:

  1. High illicit drug use: Approximately 13.39% of Colorado residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs, compared to the national average of 8.82%.
  2. Elevated drug-induced deaths: In 2010, Colorado experienced a drug-induced death rate of 13.4 per 100,000 population, exceeding the national rate of 12.9 per 100,000.
  3. Marijuana as leading treatment admission: Marijuana was the most commonly cited drug among primary drug treatment admissions in Colorado from 1992 to 2011.
  4. Significant cocaine use: Colorado ranked among the top ten states for past-year cocaine use among individuals aged 12 or older during 2010-2011.
  5. Prescription drug monitoring program: Established in 2005, Colorado's Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program aims to reduce prescription drug abuse by tracking controlled substance prescriptions.
  6. Drug-induced deaths surpass other causes: In 2010, drug-induced deaths (676) in Colorado surpassed fatalities from motor vehicle accidents (483) and firearms (555).
  7. High marijuana use among young adults: The state was among the top ten for past-month marijuana use among individuals aged 18-25 in 2010-2011.
  8. Stimulants as common treatment admission: Stimulants, including methamphetamine, were the second most common drugs, leading to primary treatment admissions from 1992 to 2011.
  9. Illicit drug dependence in adolescents: Colorado ranked among the top ten states for illicit drug dependence among individuals aged 12-17 during 2010-2011.
  10. Higher non-marijuana illicit drug use: About 3.95% of residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs other than marijuana, above the national average of 3.33%.

These statistics highlight the challenges Colorado faces regarding drug use and its associated consequences.

Prevalence of Drug Use in Colorado

Prevalence of drug use in Colorado

Drug use is common in Colorado; it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Substance abuse has increased in recent years, creating challenges for public health and law enforcement.

General Substance Use

General substance use includes alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Colorado has high rates of marijuana use due to its legalization. Prescription drug misuse is also a growing issue. These trends put more people at risk of developing substance use disorders.

Youth Substance Use

Substance use among youth is a serious concern. Many teens misuse alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. Early drug use increases the risk of addiction and health problems later in life. The Colorado Department of Public Health tracks these trends to develop prevention programs.

Drug Overdose Trends

Drug overdoses pose a significant challenge to public health in Colorado. Overdose death rates have risen sharply in recent years. More overdose deaths are linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Fatal Overdoses

Fatal overdoses involve drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamines. Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death. Drug manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking control efforts aim to reduce these numbers. However, the drug overdose death rate remains high.

Non-Fatal Overdoses

Non-fatal overdoses are also increasing. These incidents often require emergency medical care and affect public health resources. Programs like the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) aim to reduce overdoses and improve health outcomes.

Impact of Specific Substances

Impact of specific substances

Different drugs have varying effects on Colorado communities. Below are a few of the most major issues.

Opioids and Fentanyl

Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are driving overdose death rates. Fentanyl overdoses happen quickly and are often fatal without immediate medical help. Public health programs are working to combat this crisis.

Methamphetamines and Cocaine

Methamphetamine and cocaine use remain significant problems. These drugs contribute to both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. They also increase the demand for mental health services and substance abuse treatment programs.

Effects of Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana legalization has changed drug trends in Colorado. Marijuana use is common and often legal for adults. However, concerns remain about its impact on youth and long-term health. Legalization has also led to increased marijuana-related arrests and substance abuse cases.

Drug Control Measures and Their Effectiveness

Colorado uses several drug control measures to fight substance abuse. These programs aim to reduce overdoses and promote safer communities.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)

PDMPs track prescriptions for controlled substances. They help reduce the misuse of prescription drugs and prevent addiction. PDMPs also assist law enforcement in identifying patterns of illegal activity.

FAQs

What is the drug overdose death rate in Colorado?

The drug overdose death rate in Colorado has been rising. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the main reason for this increase. The exact rate depends on the time frame and available data.

Fentanyl overdoses and misuse of other synthetic opioids are leading causes of overdose deaths. Methamphetamine and cocaine also contribute to the problem.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for substance abuse treatment. It supports programs that address addiction and promote recovery.

Yes, PDMPs help reduce prescription drug misuse and prevent addiction. They also assist in tracking illegal activities related to controlled substances.

Our law firm provides experienced legal representation for drug-related charges. We protect your rights and build a strong defense to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Federal Criminal Lawyers Today

Contact our federal criminal lawyers today

If you are facing drug-related charges, you need expert legal help. These charges can lead to serious consequences, like prison time and fines. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers are here to fight for you. Our law office has years of experience defending clients in drug cases. We know how to handle cases involving drug overdoses, controlled substances, and substance abuse charges.

We offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your options. Whether your charges involve synthetic opioids, methamphetamine, or other drugs, we can help. Contact us today to protect your future and get the defense you deserve.

Daniel Perlman
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office. 

This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.

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