Colorado addiction treatment is more important than ever, as many communities across the state face rising rates of substance misuse, overdose, and drug-related crime.

At AspenRidge Recovery, we work directly with individuals and families impacted by addiction throughout Colorado, from urban centers to suburban neighborhoods.

This guide breaks down the top 10 worst drug cities in Colorado based on the latest data from public health reports, law enforcement agencies, and treatment admissions. More importantly, it explores how access to compassionate, evidence-based care is a lifeline in each of these communities.

1. Denver

As Colorado’s largest city, Denver has seen consistently high rates of drug use and overdose deaths. The metro area experiences some of the highest treatment admission numbers for opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. In 2024, Denver County recorded over 4,200 DUI arrests and a sharp rise in fentanyl-related fatalities. Downtown neighborhoods, particularly near Civic Center and Capitol Hill, face ongoing struggles with public drug use, homelessness, and mental health crises.

AspenRidge Recovery serves this population with its Lakewood location, just outside Denver. It offers day programs and intensive outpatient care.

2. Colorado Springs

Home to a large military community, Colorado Springs faces complex addiction challenges linked to trauma, PTSD, and prescription drug misuse. In El Paso County:

• Overdose deaths increased 28% between 2020 and 2023

• Fentanyl now accounts for 78% of opioid-related deaths

• Meth-related psychiatric hospitalizations surged 38%

Our Colorado Springs rehab center provides tailored support for veterans, first responders, and professionals affected by high-functioning addiction.

3. Pueblo

Pueblo has some of the highest per capita opioid prescription rates in the state. Methamphetamine use remains a major concern, and the city has one of the largest shares of residents without access to nearby addiction treatment centers. Crime tied to drug activity has been on the rise, with notable increases in property crimes and fentanyl-related incidents.

Though AspenRidge does not have a physical center in Pueblo, our Virtual Care IOP program provides online, accessible treatment options for individuals across southern Colorado.

4. Aurora

Aurora’s large and diverse population faces significant substance-related challenges. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health:

• Heroin and meth are the leading causes of overdose-related hospital visits

• High schoolers in Adams County report above-average rates of cannabis and prescription misuse

East Colfax and North Aurora are especially hard-hit, with limited access to public mental health services.

5. Greeley

Greeley and Weld County have experienced a troubling rise in fentanyl overdoses and methamphetamine seizures, particularly among young adults aged 18–24. The agricultural economy brings seasonal laborers who often lack access to mental health or substance use resources.

AspenRidge Recovery’s Fort Collins location—just an hour away—offers in-person and hybrid IOP/PHP care to help bridge the gap for Greeley residents seeking help.

6. Grand Junction

Located on Colorado’s Western Slope, Grand Junction has seen a 60% increase in overdose deaths since 2020, driven largely by fentanyl and meth. Access to treatment in rural Colorado remains a key barrier, with limited detox centers and few long-term recovery resources.

7. Trinidad

Though smaller than other cities on this list, Trinidad has one of the highest per capita overdose rates in Colorado. The region has been heavily impacted by fentanyl trafficking along I-25 and lacks sufficient outpatient treatment options.

8. Fort Collins

While often associated with college-town energy, Fort Collins is not immune to addiction. Larimer County has experienced steady increases in:

• Polysubstance abuse among college-aged adults

• Alcohol-related ER visits

• Prescription opioid misuse among professionals

AspenRidge’s Fort Collins treatment center is positioned to serve local residents with day programs and evening IOP options that fit into busy student or professional schedules.

9. Boulder

Known for its progressive values and active lifestyle, Boulder surprisingly faces high levels of alcohol misuse, psychedelic experimentation, and daily cannabis use among teens. While overdose rates are lower than elsewhere, binge drinking and drug experimentation rates remain concerning, especially on college campuses.

Boulder residents can access support at AspenRidge Lakewood and Fort Collins locations, and our online IOP ensures privacy and convenience.

10. Commerce City

Commerce City has been identified as a hotspot for meth and fentanyl arrests, particularly in connection to increased trafficking in the Denver metro’s northeast corridor. Social and economic stressors—such as housing insecurity and unemployment—contribute to growing substance use rates.

Why Colorado Addiction Treatment Matters More Than Ever

Across all 10 of these cities, Colorado addiction treatment programs are not just helpful, they are life-saving. Factors like economic pressure, mental health crises, and limited treatment access continue to drive substance misuse statewide.

At AspenRidge Recovery, we meet Coloradans where they are, with personalized, flexible, and evidence-based care. Our team provides:

• In-person treatment in Lakewood, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins

• Online IOP through AspenRidge Virtual Care for rural and underserved areas

• A Family Program to help loved ones heal together

• Trauma-informed therapy, psychiatric support, and relapse prevention