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Browse All Facilities Call SAMHSA HelplineAddiction in Colorado: Current Statistics, Trends, and Care Access
This state brief summarizes the most current, consistent state-level indicators available from CDC datasets covering overdose mortality, opioid dispensing, and binge drinking patterns.
Data years used: 2021-2024. Last updated February 28, 2026.
Colorado Addiction at a Glance
Overdose Burden in Colorado
CDC age-adjusted drug overdose death rates show Colorado went from 29.8 per 100,000 in 2022 to 30.6 per 100,000 in 2023, a year-over-year change of +2.7%. CDC classified this as no statistically significant change.
Colorado ranked #29 of 50 states among all states for overdose mortality in 2023.
Colorado is in the middle range of state overdose mortality rates in 2023.
Which Drug Categories Drive Overdose Deaths?
CDC 2023 state rates by drug category (per 100,000): any opioid at 21.6, synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) at 19.0, psychostimulants at 13.3, cocaine at 4.7.
The highest reported category in Colorado is Any opioid.
These drug-specific categories overlap in CDC mortality reporting and should not be added together.
Opioid Prescribing Environment
CDC state dispensing data show that Colorado had 30.6 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons in 2024. Colorado is ranked #36 of 50 states among all states. The 50-state median is 35.5 prescriptions per 100 persons.
High prescribing rates indicate sustained opioid exposure in the population and reinforce the need for careful prescribing practices, patient education, PDMP use, and non-opioid pain options where clinically appropriate.
Alcohol Binge-Drinking Indicators
CDC alcohol data show an adult binge-drinking prevalence of 19.9% in 2021, ranking Colorado #10 of 50 states among all states.
Among adults who binge drink, the median number of drinks per episode is 5.4, with the 75th percentile at 7.5 drinks (2022 data).
Alcohol indicators help quantify addiction risk beyond illicit and prescription drugs.
Practical Priorities for Colorado
Sustain prevention gains and keep overdose response coverage in place to prevent reversals in trend.
Continue responsible prescribing safeguards while monitoring local pockets with higher opioid exposure risk.
Include alcohol screening and brief intervention in routine care and behavioral health settings.
Improve treatment navigation through 988, FindTreatment.gov, and local referral partnerships to reduce delays in care.
Common Questions About Addiction in Colorado
How severe is overdose mortality in Colorado right now?
In 2023, Colorado's age-adjusted drug overdose death rate was 30.6 per 100,000, compared with 29.8 in 2022.
Did overdose mortality rise or fall from 2022 to 2023?
The rate changed by +2.7%, and CDC classified this as no statistically significant change.
Which substances are most associated with overdose deaths in Colorado?
In 2023, the highest reported category was Any opioid at 21.6 deaths per 100,000, based on CDC selected drug categories.
Is opioid prescribing in Colorado high compared with other states?
Colorado is ranked #36 out of 50 states in 2024 opioid dispensing rate at 30.6 prescriptions per 100 people.
What do the alcohol indicators show for Colorado?
CDC reports a 2021 adult binge-drinking prevalence of 19.9% in Colorado, with a 2022 median intensity of 5.4 drinks per binge episode.
Why might some values be listed as "not reported"?
CDC suppresses some estimates when counts are too small to meet reliability criteria (shown as an asterisk in source tables).
What is the fastest way to get help in a crisis?
Call or text **988** for immediate, 24/7 mental health and substance-use crisis support.
Where can people in Colorado find treatment options today?
Use **FindTreatment.gov** or call SAMHSA's National Helpline at **1-800-662-HELP (4357)** for confidential 24/7 referral support.
What if someone has no insurance or limited coverage?
SAMHSA's helpline can help connect people to state-funded or lower-cost treatment options and local referral pathways.
Are these the newest numbers available?
Yes for the cited datasets as of February 28, 2026, but indicator years differ by source (2021-2024).
The statistics and data presented above are sourced from federal and state government agencies. This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know needs help, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).