Colorado Springs stands at a pivotal moment. Once known primarily for its military roots, scenic beauty, and booming population, the city is now confronting a growing crisis: rising rates of drug abuse, overdose deaths, and substance-related hospitalizations.
While these challenges reflect national trends, Colorado Springs faces unique pressures,  from its military population grappling with PTSD to its increasingly stressed youth and professional communities.

At AspenRidge Recovery, we understand the complexities driving today’s addiction landscape. This guide explores the realities of drug Colorado Springs, why the crisis is deepening, and how evidence-based treatment offers a path forward.

The Current State of Drug Use in Colorado Springs

The picture in 2025 is stark:

• Overdose deaths in El Paso County rose 28% from 2020 to 2023 (El Paso County Public Health).

• Fentanyl now accounts for 78% of all opioid-related fatalities locally.

• Methamphetamine seizures by Colorado Springs Police climbed 42% between 2022 and 2023.

• More than 3,200 individuals entered drug treatment programs across El Paso County last year.

The drivers behind these numbers are complex: increased trafficking along the I-25 corridor, rising rates of untreated mental health conditions, and the devastating spread of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.

Key Drugs Impacting Colorado Springs

Substance use in Colorado Springs is shaped by a handful of particularly dangerous drugs. From powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl to the enduring grip of methamphetamine, each substance carries distinct risks, and each has left a deep imprint on the community. Understanding these key drugs is critical to addressing the city’s broader addiction challenges.

Fentanyl: The Deadliest Threat

Once rare, fentanyl has exploded across Colorado Springs’ streets, often unknowingly consumed by users seeking other substances like oxycodone, heroin, or even Xanax.
In 2023, 142 deaths were attributed to fentanyl overdoses, with 92% involving multiple substances. A tiny amount,  just two milligrams, can be lethal.

Methamphetamine: A Persistent Crisis

Meth remains deeply entrenched, especially in vulnerable populations. Users report severe physical deterioration, heightened psychosis, and an increase in violent encounters. Hospitals in Colorado Springs saw a 38% rise in methamphetamine-related psychiatric admissions last year.

Prescription Opioids: From Medicine to Misuse

While prescribing practices have tightened, misuse of opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol remains a significant issue. Approximately 68% of abused prescription opioids locally come from diverted legitimate prescriptions.

Cannabis: Shifting Perceptions, Rising Risks

Recreational legalization has changed usage patterns, particularly among youth. Surveys show 14% of local high schoolers use cannabis daily, raising concerns about cognitive impacts and long-term mental health issues.

The Human Impact: Colorado Springs Communities at Risk

Drug abuse touches every corner of the city, but certain groups face heightened vulnerability:

Colorado Springs’ rich military presence, including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, means many service members and veterans struggle silently with pain management and trauma-related substance use.

At the same time, economic stress, housing shortages, and social isolation have created dangerous environments for youth and professionals alike.

Neighborhood-Specific Challenges

• Downtown Colorado Springs:

  • The city’s highest rates of fentanyl overdoses occur downtown.

  • Use of needle exchange programs has increased by 78% since 2022.

• Southeast Colorado Springs:

  • Highest concentrations of methamphetamine arrests.

  • Limited access to treatment programs compared to downtown or northern neighborhoods.

• Northgate and Briargate:

  • Suburban areas are seeing spikes in prescription drug misuse, particularly among middle-aged adults.

• Near Fort Carson:

  • Higher rates of alcohol dependence among military personnel.

  • Specialized support for veterans is critically needed.

Why the Crisis Is Growing

Several factors have converged to deepen the drugs in Colorado Springs:

• Drug Trafficking: The I-25 corridor remains a major pipeline for meth, fentanyl, and heroin.

• Mental Health Crisis: The shortage of affordable, accessible mental health care exacerbates substance use disorders.

• Economic pressures, including inflation, housing insecurity, and post-pandemic financial strain, increase stress and susceptibility.

• Youth Vulnerability: Social media platforms glamorize drug use, contributing to early initiation.

Despite the city’s many resources, gaps in the system persist, especially for Medicaid patients and underserved communities.

How AspenRidge Recovery Supports Colorado Springs

At AspenRidge Recovery in Colorado Springs, we are committed to filling those gaps with accessible, evidence-based treatment options.

Comprehensive Services

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP):

  • 30+ hours per week of structured clinical therapy while allowing clients to return home each night.

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP):

  • 9–15 hours per week; ideal for individuals balancing work, school, or family while undergoing treatment.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):

  • Suboxone for opioid use disorders.

  • Naltrexone for alcohol dependence.

  • Integrated with therapy for long-term recovery.

Specialized Recovery Tracks

• Veterans Program:

  • Trauma-informed care tailored to military experiences.

  • Coordination with VA benefits.

• First Responder Track:

  • Confidential peer support and treatment for law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters.

Accessibility and Affordability

• Medicaid is accepted across all programs.

• Sliding scale payment options.

• Private insurance partnerships are available.

At AspenRidge, we meet clients where they are, providing compassionate, individualized care at every step.

Real Recovery is Possible

Recovery is not just possible, it’s happening every day in Colorado Springs.
According to the 2024 AspenRidge data:

Colorado Springs is at a crossroads. Substance abuse continues to claim lives, but it does not have to.

Through expanded access to quality care, targeted community interventions, and compassion-driven recovery models, we can turn the tide.

If you or a loved one is struggling, AspenRidge Recovery is ready to help with respect, professionalism, and hope.

Take the first step today. Your future is waiting.