Mental Health America recently reported some sad news: the state of Colorado ranked third-highest in terms of mental illness. A staggering 19.55% of Colorado residents suffer from some type of mental disorder. Making matters worse, seven counties of Colorado, (Baca, Bent, Conejos, Rio Grande, Las Animas, Costilla and Huerfano), consistently rank among the US counties with the highest rate of drug overdose deaths.
The State of Substance Abuse in Colorado
Colorado faces severe substance abuse problems. According to the Colorado Health Access Survey, around 11.9% of Colorado residents have a substance use disorder (SUD) that interferes with their personal, relationship and professional lives.
Moreover, a report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that:
- 24% of Colorado residents aged 12 and older smoke cigarettes each month.
- 27.4% of residents binge drink each month.
- About 19.3% of people in Colorado aged 12 and older use illicit drugs yearly.
- Around 16.5% of Colorado residents use marijuana each year.
- The average rate of prescription drug misuse is higher in some areas of Colorado than in the country.
If you’re struggling with alcohol and drug abuse in Colorado, you should know you’re not alone. The fact that you’re looking for a Colorado crisis line means you’re ready to receive quality professional help, which is a crucial step in substance abuse treatment and recovery.
The National Mental Health Hotline
If you need to connect with a mental health specialist, call 1-866-903-3787 right now. A trained professional will take your call and assist you however she or he can. A world of resources is waiting for you. The hotline is available to all US residents and operates on a 24/7 basis.
Colorado Crisis Services
Colorado Crisis Services is an organization that provides responsive, professional services to anyone with substance use and mental health struggles in Colorado. You can benefit from the organization’s free and confidential services by calling its Colorado hotline at 844-493-TALK or texting TALK to 38255. You can also walk into its offices to speak to a counselor. | (844) 493-8255
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a national organization with a Colorado crisis line. You can request referrals to English- or Spanish-speaking emergency, detox and rehabilitation centers through SAMHSA. Call the organization’s helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, or text your Colorado ZIP code to 435748 to get information about care centers closest to you. | (800) 487-4889
The Phoenix
The Phoenix is an active sober community through which you can interact with others in recovery. The organization hosts meetups, socials and outdoor outings to help those living sober make friends, get encouragement and remain physically healthy. Contact The Phoenix’s Colorado helpline to learn about its programs in cities around the state. | (720) 440-9175
Young People in Recovery
Young People in Recovery (YPR) offers recovery support to youth with substance abuse issues. Contact YPR to join a life skills program, receive information on treatment, housing and employment or access career coaching, mentorship and volunteer opportunities. | (720) 600-4977
NAMI Helpline & More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides a wealth of resources, including the NAMI Helpline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-950-6264 or by emailing info@nami.org. Although the helpline is only available Monday through Friday from 10AM until 8PM EST, there is a 24/7 text-line available. Simply text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 for assistance.