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Denver, Colorado, like many urban areas across the United States, has faced significant challenges with opioid misuse and overdoses. The city has seen a sharp increase in opioid-related deaths, particularly driven by the rise in fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
The availability of prescription opioids, combined with socioeconomic factors such as homelessness, unemployment, and access to healthcare, has exacerbated the crisis.
Public health officials in Denver are working to combat the epidemic through harm reduction strategies, including the distribution of naloxone and the establishment of safe injection sites, as well as expanding access to addiction treatment services. Despite these efforts, the city continues to grapple with the complexities of the opioid epidemic, which impacts diverse populations across various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Denver:
- An estimated 6,688 people aged 12 years and older were affected by opioid use disorder, opioid misuse, or opioid poisoning in Denver
- In 2022, the city reported over 300 opioid-related fatalities, with a significant proportion linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- From 2019 to 2021, fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Denver increased by 308%.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Denver
In 2023, Denver experienced its highest number of drug-related overdose deaths ever recorded.
- 522 fatal drug overdoses occurred in Denver in 2023
- This represents a 15% increase from 2022
- Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, was a primary driver of this increase
Demographic Data & Insights
The opioid epidemic affects various demographics, such as race and age, differently. Here are some insights:
- Non-Hispanic whites are disproportionately affected by the prescription opioid epidemic, with age-adjusted death rates more than three times higher than non-Hispanic blacks.
- However, racial disparities in opioid prescribing practices have been observed, with minorities less likely to receive opioid prescriptions in certain healthcare settings.
- Adolescents and young adults (12-25 years) show the highest rates of past-year nonmedical opioid use.
- Adults (26+ years) have lower rates of nonmedical use but experience the greatest overall exposure to prescription opioids.
- Women aged 65 and older have shown the highest prevalence of long-term opioid use.
- Lower-income areas tend to experience higher rates of opioid-related issues.
Opioid Prescribing Trends
In Denver, opioid prescribing patterns have shown notable trends in recent years. The use of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) has been a critical tool in managing prescriptions and monitoring opioid use.
- From 2020 to 2023, there was a 23% decrease in high-dose opioid prescriptions, which is attributed to stricter regulations and guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.
- In 2022, approximately 6.5% of the adult population reported misusing prescription opioids, with over-prescription and inadequate oversight being key contributing factors.
The state of Colorado has implemented various strategies to curb opioid misuse, including enhancing PDMP usage and promoting best practices among healthcare providers.
These efforts have led to a gradual decline in opioid prescriptions, with a 13% reduction in the number of opioid pills dispensed from 2019 to 2023. Moreover, Colorado's healthcare system is increasingly adopting alternative pain management therapies, further contributing to the reduction in opioid prescriptions.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
Denver Health has taken a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, implementing innovative strategies to provide care for those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD).
Denver Health and Colorado state initiatives have implemented measures to promote safer opioid prescribing:
- Denver Health provides integrated opioid services, including Colorado’s first Opioid Treatment Hub and Spoke model
- The state has adopted revised Guidelines for Prescribing and Dispensing Opioids, which include:
- Enhanced patient education on the risks and benefits of opioid therapy
- Reduction in days of treatment for acute pain
- Emphasis on safe prescribing thresholds
Denver Health has implemented an integrated opioid service delivery model, known as the Opioid Treatment Hub and Spoke system, which:
- Standardizes evaluation and referral processes
- Increases capacity across the opioid treatment program system
- Provides seamless transitions between different levels of care
The Center for Addiction Medicine at Denver Health, established in 2019, offers a wide range of services to support individuals throughout their recovery journey, including:
- Prevention and education programs
- Harm reduction strategies
- Formal treatment and management of addiction disorders
- Post-treatment services and resources for ongoing recovery support
Resource & Support Groups in Denver
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Denver
- SMART Recovery in Denver
- Denver Recovery Group
- Provides comprehensive MAT services, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, along with counseling and support.
- Address: 2822 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
- Denver Health Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
- Offers MAT with options, such as methadone and buprenorphine, alongside a range of behavioral health services and counseling.
- Address: 777 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204
- Front Range Clinic
- Specializes in MAT including Suboxone and naltrexone, providing personalized treatment plans and counseling.
- Address: 1550 S Colorado Blvd Suite 117, Denver, CO 80222
- Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center (CBHC)
- Offers MAT with Suboxone and naltrexone, combined with comprehensive behavioral health therapies and counseling.
- Address: 7000 E Belleview Ave Suite 250, Denver, CO 80237
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).