Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Denver, Colorado
Colorado, known for snow-capped mountains and hot springs, is also known for the legalization of Marijuana. Although Marijuana is frequently used, more and more Denver residents have increasingly abused alcohol and drugs like Heroin, Benzodiazepines, and Methamphetamines. Reports reveal Colorado suffers one of the United States’ worst drug problems, with Colorado having had “the third-most serious drug problems of any state.”
Though young males have historically consumed the majority of drugs like Opioids, one analysis showed 7% of women in Colorado with substance use disorders were pregnant. The drug of greatest concern in the Denver area has been Heroin in recent years, due to the frequency of its use and the many dangers associated with the drug.
Denver Benzodiazepine use (drugs like Xanax and Valium) remain a cause of concern, as thousands of Denver residents have prescriptions. Death rates related to Benzo use have skyrocketed since the turn of the millennium.
Denver And Marijuana Addiction
Legal Marijuana use in Denver is one of the most well-known facts about Denver. Despite Marijuana’s legal status in the city, there are many negative consequences from its use.
Marijuana is often mixed with alcohol and Opioids, creating a unique addiction pattern in some Denver natives. Although most people who use Marijuana are not addicted, an estimated 9% have been. Denver residents who struggle with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are at risk of Marijuana addiction and abuse. People who abuse Marijuana also run the risk of it being laced with other drugs.
Rising Rates Of Opioid Use Denver
Opioids, like Methadone and Codeine, are widely consumed in Denver, and rates of use have continued to rise. Denver’s Opioid use has increased by 933% over a 14-year timespan. Since 2005, drug overdose deaths have outnumbered deaths involving car accidents.
Common factors behind fatal Opioid overdoses in Denver include:
- The quality of Opioids being taken
- Other drugs mixed in with Opioids, such as Meth and Fentanyl
- Relapses after a lengthy period of sobriety (especially relapses after returning from jail)
Fortunately, some people suffering with substance use disorders are getting treated. However, there are still many people suffering with addiction who are not getting the treatment they need.
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Living with addiction is a challenging experience, but help is available. Treatment providers can help to explore available treatment options. Both conventional approaches (like treatment medication and talk therapy) and more holistic approaches (like meditation and animal-assisted therapy) may be available. For more information, contact a treatment provider today.
