Colorado opioid overdose deaths on the rise since 1999

The opioid crisis in Colorado has been called an epidemic for years now and the most recent statistics show a disturbing trend.

Preliminary data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) shows a total of 536 people died from opioids or heroin in 2017.

In 2016, CDPHE shows a total of 504 died from overdoses of opioids or heroin.

CDPHE numbers dating back to 1999 show an overall rise in overdose deaths over the past 18 years. Numbers did dip in 2008 and 2010 but promptly increased again in 2009 and 2011.

Colorado state lawmakers are trying to tackle the issue with a bill that would limit the number of opioid pills doctors could prescribe for acute pain for seven days worth.

“We know that people who get over a week’s work of medication on their first prescription are twice and sometimes even three times as likely to continue to use that medication a year later,” Democratic Representative Jonathan Singer said.

Senate Bill 22 has passed the Senate and has been introduced into the house and assigned to a committee.