Colorado

Colorado, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, faces a sobering reality as it grapples with the highest substance abuse rate in the United States. While conversations about “fresh-cut powder” might seem like a reference to pristine skiing conditions, they often allude to a more troubling issue. The state’s liberal stance on recreational marijuana has contributed to the rise in substance abuse, but it’s not limited to cannabis.

Colorado’s struggle with substance misuse encompasses a range of substances. This stark contrast between the state’s idyllic landscapes and its substance abuse challenges serves as a reminder that addiction can affect even the most picturesque of places, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive addiction prevention and treatment programs to safeguard the well-being of its residents.