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Drug Crisis: What is Colorado Doing to Control the Epidemic?

Pre-Conditions for the Growth of Addiction

The United States faces a profound drug crisis, particularly involving opioids and synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Factors such as overprescription, increased potency of illegal drugs, economic instability, and mental health challenges have converged, making the environment especially dangerous and unpredictable for users. These pre-conditions have set the stage for a rise in overdose deaths and have made addressing the crisis more complex.

Drug use in Colorado

Social and Economic Impacts

The drug crisis has had sweeping impacts on healthcare, public safety, and economic productivity. Healthcare systems are overburdened with emergency visits and hospitalizations related to overdoses, leading to higher costs and a strain on resources. Public safety concerns increase as drug-related crimes become more prevalent. The economic toll extends beyond direct healthcare costs, affecting workplace productivity and imposing heavy financial burdens on families and communities. The psychological distress on families and communities further amplifies the societal effect of the epidemic.

Federal Countermeasures

Colorado Case - The Numbers Speak for Themselves

Colorado has experienced a rise in drug-related mortality, with opioids and marijuana playing significant roles. To confront these trends, the state has implemented several coordinated programs:

Approaches in Neighboring Regions

Is It Possible to Stop the Crisis? Looking to the Future

Efforts showing the most promise include:

Less effective are strategies relying solely on isolation, punitive measures, or those lacking aftercare and sustained support.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Confronting the drug crisis in Colorado and across the nation requires a collaborative, evidence-based approach and long-term commitment. Colorado stands out for its coordination of stakeholders through the Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, strategic use of opioid settlement funds, investment in jail-based treatment, and legislative efforts to address gaps in behavioral health crisis response. By continuing to prioritize prevention, treatment, aftercare, and interagency collaboration, Colorado and other states can make meaningful progress toward reducing the toll of addiction and fostering healthier communities.