Substance use remains one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States. And while every state is affected in some way, some regions consistently rank among the states with the highest drug addiction rates, facing growing overdose deaths, treatment shortages, and rising mental health concerns. For Coloradans, understanding how these national trends apply locally is crucial to recognizing risks, expanding access to care, and finding hope through recovery.

At AspenRidge Recovery, with treatment centers throughout Colorado, including Denver, Fort Collins, Lakewood, and Colorado Springs, we’re committed to providing evidence-based care that meets individuals where they are, especially those impacted by co-occurring disorders and underserved communities.

Understanding the States with the Highest Drug Addiction

When evaluating states with the highest drug addiction, organizations like the CDC and SAMHSA look at a range of factors:

• Rates of diagnosed substance use disorders (SUDs)
• Overdose death rates per capita
• ER visits and hospital admissions for drug-related issues
• Accessibility and utilization of addiction treatment programs
• Co-occurring mental health conditions

The most consistently affected states often share similar challenges: economic hardship, rural geography, low treatment availability, and high rates of trauma and mental illness.

Top States Facing the Addiction Crisis

While addiction affects every corner of the country, some states have been hit harder than others. Below are five of the states with the highest drug addiction rates, where a combination of limited resources, economic hardship, and potent substances like fentanyl have intensified the crisis.

1. West Virginia

West Virginia leads the nation in overdose deaths, primarily due to fentanyl and other opioids. Many rural areas lack the necessary resources for prevention, harm reduction, or treatment, creating a cycle of addiction that’s difficult to break.

2. Kentucky

Kentucky continues to struggle with both prescription opioid misuse and rising methamphetamine use. Although there have been investments in recovery infrastructure, treatment deserts still exist in remote areas.

3. New Mexico

Heroin and meth are the most commonly abused drugs in New Mexico, with some of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the western U.S. Limited access to behavioral health services further complicates recovery efforts.

4. Ohio

Ohio has become a focal point for fentanyl-related overdose deaths, especially in smaller towns and rural counties. Statewide efforts have helped increase treatment access, but demand continues to outpace resources.

5. Tennessee

Tennessee has seen a sharp increase in meth and opioid addiction, along with a growing number of fentanyl overdoses. Public stigma and underfunded treatment systems remain significant barriers.

What About Colorado?

Colorado may not always be listed among the states with the highest drug addiction, but the situation is still serious, particularly in metro and suburban areas near Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.

According to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment:

• Fentanyl-related deaths rose nearly 70% in just one year
• Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance in the state
• Mental health and substance use are the leading causes of hospitalization for young adults

These numbers are a wake-up call for communities across the Front Range, highlighting the need for earlier intervention, greater education, and increased access to affordable treatment.

Common Risk Factors Across High-Addiction States

Whether in Kentucky, New Mexico, or parts of Colorado, certain factors contribute to elevated addiction rates:

• Rural isolation and limited healthcare infrastructure
• High rates of unemployment and poverty
• Overprescription of opioid painkillers
• Mental health disorders left untreated
• Lack of education on substance use prevention
• Cultural stigma surrounding treatment

AspenRidge Recovery: A Colorado Solution to a National Crisis

As we learn from the states with the highest drug addiction, it’s clear that overcoming addiction takes more than detox. It requires long-term support, integrated care, and programs that address both the psychological and physical aspects of recovery.

AspenRidge Affordable Rehab Programs

AspenRidge offers a full continuum of outpatient and virtual affordable rehab programs across Colorado:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

• 30+ hours of treatment per week
• Group and individual therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management
• Lasts approximately 4 weeks

5-Day Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

• 15 hours of group therapy per week (3 hours/day, 5 days/week)
• Weekly one-on-one therapy sessions
• Great for individuals balancing work or school

3-Day Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

• 9 hours of group therapy per week (3 sessions/week)
• Biweekly individual counseling
• Designed for step-down care or moderate substance use

Virtual Outpatient Program

• Full access to therapy and psychiatric care via a secure platform
• Ideal for remote areas or those seeking privacy and flexibility

Each program includes trauma-informed care, family therapy, and access to long-term alumni support.

Why Choose AspenRidge?

We’re not just treating addiction, we’re helping rebuild lives. AspenRidge Recovery was founded on the belief that recovery is possible and sustainable when people are supported with the right tools, compassion, and clinical expertise.

• Hybrid in-person & virtual care for ultimate flexibility
• Colorado Medicaid is accepted, making care more accessible
• Licensed, dual-diagnosis therapists trained in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma
• Discreet care for professionals, students, and parents
• Ongoing alumni support and relapse prevention

A Local Response to a National Issue

The states with the highest drug addiction show us what can happen when addiction goes unchecked. But they also demonstrate the importance of localized care that’s trauma-informed, community-supported, and focused on long-term healing.

AspenRidge Recovery is proud to serve Colorado communities by offering hope, resources, and expert care for individuals and families facing the challenge of substance use and mental health conditions.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

You don’t have to be in one of the states with the highest drug addiction to be affected by it. If you’re in Colorado and struggling with drug or alcohol use, we’re here to help, with real solutions and compassionate care that work.

• Call us now at (855) 281-5588
• Verify Your Insurance
• Locations in Denver, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Virtual Care statewide