Topline: While synthetic opioid overdose deaths have begun declining nationwide, Colorado is moving in the opposite direction. According to the CSI Public Safety Fellow, Paul Pazen's, most recent report, deaths are rising faster in Colorado than in most states, resulting in hundreds of additional deaths and billions in lost economic value.
Colorado’s Overdose Trend
• Since December 2024, synthetic opioid overdose deaths in Colorado have increased 17%, the third-fastest growth rate in the country.
• Over the same period, the national rate declined 21%, highlighting Colorado’s divergence from the broader U.S. trend.
• Colorado was one of only five states to see an increase in overdose deaths during this period.
Excess Deaths in the State
• Synthetic opioid deaths increased from 803 in November 2024 to 957 in August 2025.
• If Colorado had followed the national trend, deaths in August 2025 would have been 610 instead of 957, a 57% difference.
• In total, Colorado experienced 1,620 excess overdose deaths over this period.
Economic Impact
• Using a Value of Statistical Life estimate of $13.4 million, the 1,620 excess deaths represent approximately $18.3 billion in lost economic value to the state.
