Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Colorado
Statistics and Laws
Substance abuse is a widespread problem across the United States, with addiction and overdose rates only rising to new levels since the outbreak of Covid-19. Specifically, large cities often serve as discreet nerve centers of drug and alcohol use, as their centrality and huge populations make transporting and distributing drugs simple for those who know the trade. Additionally, such cities often feature spirited nightlife and entertainment scenes, where alcohol flows like water and drinking is considered the absolute norm.
Denver, Colorado is unfortunately no exception. This bustling metropolis is the most populous city in the state of Colorado, with a recorded population of 715,500 in the 2020 U.S. Census. Denver is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene – comprised of thousands of businesses, shops, eateries, museums, parks, gardens, and more, it’s an exciting and dynamic place to live, work, and play. But against the backdrop of frenetic urban life, an unfolding substance abuse problem continues to rob Denver residents of their productivity, fulfillment, and happiness.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Colorado
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)1 conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
· In the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield metropolitan statistical area (MSA), an annual average of 416,000 people above the age of 12 use illicit drugs in Colorado in one year.
· More than one in every 10 Colorado residents experienced a drug use disorder in 2021. This is the seventh-highest rate among the United States and D.C.
The general rate of substance abuse in Colorado, including Denver, has been consistently above average.
* The most commonly abused substances in Colorado are alcohol, marijuana, and prescription opioids, since these are all legal drugs in Colorado. Other popular drugs in Colorado include cocaine, methamphetamines, and hallucinogens (like LSD, PCP, and MDMA).
* Studies show that rates of substance abuse are typically higher in urban areas such as Denver and Boulder. As a result, these are among the worst drug cities in Colorado.
Alcohol Consumption:
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in 2022, Denver displayed an above-average rate of drinking, with approximately 19.3% of adults engaging in binge drinking – compared to the national average of 16.7%.
Opioids:
Like many other cities, Denver has not been immune to the opioid epidemic currently gripping our nation. The Colorado Health Institute reported a concerning rise in opioid-related deaths in Denver, which accounted for a substantial portion of the overall opioid crisis in Colorado.
· In 2021 alone, there were 1,289 opioid overdose deaths in Colorado, which collectively accounted for 68% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.3
· From 2011 to 2021, the age-adjusted death rate due to opioid overdose increased from 8.0 per 100,000 to 21.7 per 100,000 in Colorado.4 That increase is unprecedented.
· Overdose deaths due to fentanyl rose by 16% in 2023, as compared to previous years.5
Marijuana:
Due to Colorado’s legalization of marijuana for recreational use, Denver has seen an increase in overall marijuana use. Fewer than one in five Colorado residents see any real risk in smoking marijuana once a month. The Colorado Department of Public Safety has reported a notable rise in cannabis-related emergency room visits, since marijuana is now one of the legal drugs in Colorado.
· Rates of marijuana use in the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield MSA (metropolitan statistical area) are at 16.5%, which is similar to the general rate in Colorado but higher than the national average.7
Contributing Factors to Substance Abuse in Colorado
There are several factors that contribute to the rates of drug and alcohol abuse in Denver:
1. Accessibility:
Denver’s proximity to major highways allows the easy transportation of illegal drugs, contributing to the ready availability of substances within the city.
2. Economic Disparities:
Economic factors play a big role in substance abuse trends. Denver’s growing economic (and therefore social) disparities can add to stressors that drive poeple towards substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
3. Mental Health Challenges:
Co-occurring mental health challenges always amplify the risk of substance abuse. Colorado has a serious shortage of mental health resources, possibly leaving many people without the necessary support and treatment for their mental health needs. A recent study released by “Mental Health America”, which reports on mental health care across the United States, discovered that Colorado ranks quite low in terms of mental health care resources and access to treatment - especially for children.
4. Social and Cultural Dynamics
Denver’s vibrant social scene, while a cultural asset, can also contribute to significant substance abuse trends. Social acceptance and normalization of substance use can influence individuals to engage in risky behaviors.
Colorado Alcohol and Drug Laws
Colorado Alcohol Laws
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substance in America, since it is both legal and widespread in every state. But alcohol affects coordination, reaction time, judgement, and focus, severely impairing your ability to drive safely.
Below is a synopsis of DUI and DWAI laws in Colorado.
First Offense
A "DUI per se", or first-offense DUI, is classified as a misdemeanor and is punishable by:
* Anywhere between 5 days and 12 months of jail time
* Suspension of driver's license for nine months
* Up to $1,000 in fines
* Up to 96 hours of community service
Second Offense
A second-offense DUI is also classified as a misdemeanor, but carries more severe penalties and can be punished by:
* Between 10 days and 12 months of jail time
* Suspension of driver's license for one year
* Up to $1,5000 in fines
* Up to 120 hours of community service
Third Offense
A third-offense DUI is the last misdemeanor charge and carries the heaviest penalties in this category:
* Between 60 days and one year of jail time
* Two-year suspension of driver's license
* Up to $1,500 in fines
* Up to 120 hours of community service
* Installation of an ignition interlock device for up to 2 years
Fourth Offense
A fourth-offense DUI is no longer classed as a misdemeanor but as a Class 4 felony. It is punishable by:
* Up to 6 years in state prison
* Fines of up to $500,000
* Two-year suspension of driver's license
Colorado Drug Laws
Colorado is a relatively liberal state in terms of its drug penalties. What drugs are legal in Colorado? Colorado legalized/ decriminalized drugs include alcohol, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and prescription opioids.
The penalties for drug crimes in Colorado will depend on factors like the schedule of the drug, amount, location, age of offender, and more. Most drug charges in Colorado fall under the categories of either petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony crime.
Petty Offenses - Small drug crimes, like public marijuana use, are classified as petty offenses. These crimes are not serious enough to warrant jail time but can call for a fine.
Misdemeanors - There are two categories of misdemeanors: DM1 and DM2.
* DM1 - These crimes are more serious, and include manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute. Penalties can include up to 18 months of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines.
* DM2 - DM2 crimes include possession of synthetic cannabinoids and abusing toxic vapors. Penalties include up to one year of jail time and up to $750 in fines.
Felony Offenses - This category includes the most severe types of drug offenses. There are four levels of felony drug offenses, described below:
* DF1 - This includes distribution of specific amounts of Schedule I or II substances combined, or giving Schedule I/ II drugs to a minor. Penalties include up to 32 years of jail time and up to $1 million in fines.
* DF2 - Penalties for a DF2 crime include up to 8 y ears of jail time and up to $750,000.
* DF3 - DF3 crimes include distribution of up to 14 grams of Schedule I or II drugs in Colorado. Maximum penalty is up to 4 years of jail time and up to $500,000 in fines.
* DF4 - The lowest-level felony. Penalties for a DF4 include up to one year of jail time and up to $100,000 in fines.
