A quick look at the state of Colorado’s drug addiction statistics shows that drug abuse in Colorado is fairly common. A 2019 study ranked Colorado 9th in the United States for rates of highest substance abuse and 1st for rates of individuals who needed treatment, but did not receive it. Below you will find statistics and figures compiled as a resource by The Cornerstone Program – we will try to keep this resource up to date as new information comes out.
We urge you to remember that recovery and help is possible for anyone who seeks it. While it can be tempting to become focused on the statistics, it is more important to seek the help you need in your individual case. As a leading teen and young adult substance abuse program, we encourage you contact our drug rehab center in Denver or call us at (303) 690-0082 if you have questions to set up a no cost substance abuse evaluation.
Prevalence of Marijuana Use and Illicit Drug Use in Colorado’s Young People
The following Colorado drug use statistics were reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in their National Survey on Drug Use and Health. SAMHSA released maps of prevalence estimates, by state. The resource does not provide specific numbers by state, but rather provides information in 10-state brackets. Colorado ranked in the top 10 states for:
- Illicit drug use in the past month by youths aged 12-17 (10.16% – 11.81%) and young adults aged 18-25 (27.93% – 40.32%)
- Marijuana use in the past year among youths aged 12-17 (14.98% – 17.88%) and young adults aged 18-25 (40.52% – 53.20%)
- Marijuana use in the past month among youths aged 12-17 (8.81% – 10.75%) and young adults aged 18-25 (26.28% – 38.80%)
- Pain reliever misuse in the past month among youths aged 12-17 (3.67% – 4.31%) and young adults aged 18-25 (8.03% – 8.82%)
- Cocaine use in the past year among youths aged 12-17 (0.71% – 1.01%) and young adults aged 18-25 (6.53% – 12.24%)
Prevalence of Drug Addictions and Substance Use Disorders in Colorado’s Young People
The following figures are also from the NSDUH maps report by SAMHSA (linked above). Colorado ranked in the top 10 states for:
- Illicit drug use disorders among youths aged 12-17 (3.69% – 4.55%) and young adults aged 18-25 (8.11% – 11.17%)
- Substance use disorders among youths aged 12-17 (5.15% – 6.54%) and young adults aged 18-25 (17.24% – 22.65%)
- Needing but not receiving treatment for illicit drug use in the past year among youths aged 12-17 (3.40% – 4.25%) and young adults aged 18-25 (7.47% – 10.33%)
- Needing but not receiving treatment for substance use in the past year among youths aged 12-17 (4.65% – 5.71%) and young adults aged 18-25 (16.51% – 21.49%)
Colorado Marijuana Statistics
- Marijuana-related car accidents claim the life of a Colorado resident every two days on average, and marijuana-related car accidents have increased by 150% since 2012.
- The black market for marijuana in Colorado has spiked since legalization. The USPS illegal package seizures have gone up 387% since pot was legalized.
- Organized crime charges relating to marijuana increased by 287% between 2006 and 2017.
- Calls to poison control center for marijuana-related issues have increased by 395% between 2006 and 2017.
- Source for the above statistics
- Arrests for growing marijuana increased by over 50% between 2006 and 2017. Source: Colorado Department of Public Safety.
- Marijuana is the most common single reason for school expulsions (22%) and law enforcement referrals (24%) for the 2016-2017 school year. Source: Colorado Department of Criminal Justice.
General Colorado Drug Addiction and Abuse Statistics
By staying informed about addiction trends and numbers in Colorado, parents, caretakers, or family members can take a proactive step in ensuring their loved ones have the best options for their next step.
- Between 2012- 2016, admissions to Colorado drug addiction treatment centers doubled for almost every single drug, except alcohol. Source: Denver Public Health.
- Alcohol is the number one reported lifetime drug used among middles school and high school aged students (59%), followed by marijuana (35%) Source: Colorado Department of Criminal Justice.
- Binge drinking in Colorado is highest among those aged 25-34 and second highest among ages 18-24. Source: Colorado State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup.
- The largest percentage of heroin users being admitted to treatment facilities in Colorado are between the ages of 25 and 34 (49.2%) followed by 18-24 (25.6%). Source: State of Colorado Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force.
Further Reading on Colorado Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse Statistics
The information above was largely compiled from the following sources – if you’re interested in learning further, visit:
- The NSDUH national substance abuse estimates by state
- State of Colorado Substance Abuse Trend and Response Task Force Thirteenth Annual Report (January 2019)
- Colorado Department of Public Safety’s resource on the impacts of marijuana legalization in Colorado
- Marijuana Addiction and Abuse Information
- Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction Information
- Heroin Addiction and Abuse Information
- Cocaine Addiction and Abuse Information
- Meth Addiction and Abuse information
The Cornerstone Program Offers Colorado Drug Addiction Treatment for Teens and Young Adults
While some of these statistics may paint a dire picture, it is important to remember that each case is different, and recovery is possible for anyone who earnestly seeks it. The Cornerstone Program’s intensive outpatient drug programs may turn out to be the perfect treatment option. For a free evaluation of your situation and advice on the next steps for you or a loved one struggling with substance abuse or addiction in Colorado, contact The Cornerstone Program drug rehab center or give us a call at (303) 690-0082.