Rates of Alcohol-Related Deaths in Boulder County and Colorado
Though Boulder County, Colorado, is known as a healthy and idyllic place, alcohol-related deaths and substance use disorder are still prevalent.
Alcohol consumption is a common part of our society today worldwide. However popular, there are serious consequences that can arise from over compensation and addiction. Excessive alcohol can lead to dependency, liver disease, mental health issues and other heart problems. Drinking alcohol can lead to more immediate consequences like injuries, accidents and deaths. In the United States, alcohol-related deaths are the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the country. In this article we are going to take a closer look at the state of Colorado’s alcohol related deaths, specifically Boulder County.
Alcohol-Related Death Rates in Boulder County and Colorado
Alcohol-related deaths rates in Boulder County and Colorado have been a growing concern in recent years. According to the Department of Public Health and Environment, there are seven deaths per day on average that are due to excessive drinking in Colorado. Boulder County, which is home to the University of Colorado, has also experienced an increase in alcohol-related deaths, particularly among young adults.
According to the 2021 Boulder County Annual Report, the drugs that represented the most commonly found substances in deceased persons who died of a drug related death were cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, benzo and alcohol. Out of the total of 66 cases, 13 of them were due to alcohol.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving while under the influence is a very real and deadly issue across the nation. In Colorado, you are considered “under the influence” with a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.080 or greater. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that Boulder County had a total of 362 alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2020. This resulted in 202 injuries and 6 fatalities.
In hopes to combat this issue, Boulder county, and most other counties in Colorado, has regulated sobriety checkpoints and DUI patrols to catch drunk drivers and hopefully encourage people to not get behind the wheel after drinking.
Prevention And Intervention Strategies
If you, or someone you love, has a problem with excessive drinking and/or driving under the influence do not delay intervening. It is never too late to start the road to recovery, however, it is not easy for someone that is reliant on alcohol to stop. Here are some ways you can help someone stop drinking:
- Join one of our in-person for virtual CRAFT Family Support Programs
- Education: Find articles that portray the dangers of abusing the drug.
- New Activities: Discover new hobbies that you and your loved one can try together that don’t include drinking.
- Social Support: Ensure they feel supported and included in a community that wants them to get better.
- Therapy: Seek professional help at a treatment center. Alcoholism is a disease, and trained therapists can help determine underlying issues that lead to alcohol dependency.
- Support Groups: Know that they are not alone. Support groups have been proven beneficial in the recovery process so that the individual feels supported and is held accountable for their actions.
- Seek A Trusted Lawyer: If you are in legal trouble, ensure that you hire an attorney that is experienced and has your best interest in mind. The legal process for these charges can often be stressful and time consuming.
We’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our treatment and family support programs.
Author Bio: Mandy Mayer is a content writer that specializes in law, specifically divorce. She also works with The Law Office of Stephen Vertucci, LLC, a firm specializing in separation, custody and support issues throughout Colorado.
