Substance Use IS a Summit County Issue

In Summit County, we’re surrounded on all sides by breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and neighbors who make us proud to call this place home. But beneath the surface, some of those neighbors may be silently struggling with substance use or misuse. It’s not always obvious—sometimes the signs are subtle, hidden behind smiles, laughter, or everyday conversations, and it can happen to anyone you know.

The truth is, substance use isn’t someone else’s issue—it’s part of our shared community story. And just as our town thrives through connection and care, we must also acknowledge when our neighbors are facing challenges. Did you know that, after a recent survey of Summit County residents…

1 in 12

Summit County residents reported either needing or having a loved one who needed substance use disorder treatment in the last year, but did not get it

71%

“And then with substance use it’s certainly part of our culture, but I also just think it’s stressful living here. And I know it’s stressful living probably anywhere right now. So maybe living here so long, I think that it’s a Summit County thing, but I do think, you can’t save a lot of money. I’m a professional, I have two master’s degree and I’m paycheck to paycheck. So I think it’s challenging.”
— Survey Respondent

of Summit County residents surveyed have been negatively affected in their lives by a substance use disorder, either in themselves or a loved one

50%

of Summit County residents surveyed indicated that they would be more than “moderately worried” about others in their community - friends, neighbors, loved ones - finding out that they were seeking treatment for a substance use disorder

1 in 4

Summit County residents believe their loved ones - their families in particular - would view them negatively if they were to be open about seeking help or treatment for a substance use disorder.

Whether it’s managing stress, coping with loss, or simply feeling isolated, the path to substance misuse can begin in unexpected ways, and it can happen to anyone. This isn’t just their challenge—it’s ours as a community, and the way forward starts with understanding.

​Substance use is a significant concern in Summit County, affecting individuals, families, and the community at large. Recent data highlights the severity of the issue:​

  • Overdose Deaths & Fatal Fentanyl Poisoning: Colorado experienced a 6.65% increase in overdose deaths from September 2022 to August 2023, with opioids, particularly fentanyl, being the primary contributors. ​

  • Community Impact: A 2022 health assessment revealed that more than 80% of Summit County residents acknowledge the importance of alcohol in social life, and approximately 22% of adult Coloradans reported illicit drug use in the past month, surpassing the national average of 16%.

  • Youth Substance Use: The region encompassing Summit County reports higher rates of youth substance use compared to the state average, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention efforts.

Addressing these challenges requires a compassionate, community-driven approach that reduces stigma and promotes access to treatment and support services. By fostering open conversations and providing resources, we can work together to create a healthier, more supportive environment for all residents.

There’s no single story about substance use, and no one is immune. The more we understand about who is at risk, what the risk factors are, and how it shows up in our community, the better equipped we are to understand and support each other. Understanding these risk factors and where they show up in our community can help us be better neighbors, and build a stronger Summit County.

We all know someone.

But do they know we’ve got their backs?

3 in 4

Summit County residents don’t seek treatment because they don’t believe they can afford it or have insurance coverage that will assist them

41%

of residents are less likely to seek out treatment for substance misuse concerns than they are to seek help for a physical health issue

2 in 4

Summit County residents don’t seek treatment because they are worried that admitting their struggle will cause them to lose friends, family, their community, or their jobs

This might be our story,
but we can write a different ending together.

Sign up for our email list to stay informed about substance use in Summit County—who’s affected, how it starts, and the challenges that make seeking help difficult. By learning more, we can better understand the experiences of those around us and uncover ways to strengthen our community. No matter where you stand today, curiosity is the first step toward connection. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels supported, informed, and connected—because when one of us is affected, we all are.