7 Most Commonly Abused Substances by Women in Colorado

Key takeaways

• The most commonly abused substances include alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription stimulants, and cannabis.
• Substance misuse can look different in women and may escalate more quickly.
• Common warning signs include higher tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, and secrecy.
• Colorado provides public dashboards that track overdose deaths and substance use trends.
• Getting help early is associated with stronger long-term recovery outcomes.
• If you’re concerned, substance use treatment for women in Colorado is available.

Why substance misuse can look different for women

Substance misuse does not affect everyone the same way. Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that women often progress from first use to dependence more quickly than men, a pattern sometimes called “telescoping.” This means women may experience serious consequences even after a shorter period of use.

Biology plays a role. For example, women typically have less total body water than men, which can lead to higher blood alcohol levels after drinking the same amount. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), women tend to develop alcohol-related health problems sooner and at lower levels of drinking than men. Women may also experience different or more intense withdrawal symptoms, depending on the substance being used and their overall health history.

Mental health and trauma also matter. Women with substance use disorders are more likely to have co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma histories. These factors can increase relapse risk and make recovery more complex.

Our team at Women’s Recovery recognizes that the most commonly abused drugs by women are often connected to their stress, trauma, and caregiving pressures. This is why gender-specific care is an important consideration when exploring substance use treatment for women in Colorado.

7 most commonly abused substances by women

1. Alcohol

Alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused substances in Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, one in five adults in Colorado reports excessive drinking.

While alcohol is legal, misuse can lead to serious consequences. Women can be more vulnerable to liver disease, heart complications, and hormone disruption even at lower levels of drinking.

Warning signs can include:

• Drinking more than intended
• Blackouts
• Needing alcohol to cope with stress
• Withdrawal symptoms like shaking or anxiety

If you’re unsure whether drinking has become risky, read our blog, The Effects of Alcohol on Women’s Health, to learn more about how alcohol can impact your body and overall well-being.

2. Opioids

Opioids include heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Many women are first exposed to opioids through legitimate prescriptions for pain relief. In some cases, prescription use can gradually lead to dependence, especially when opioids are used to manage chronic pain, stress, or emotional distress.

Signs of opioid misuse may include:

• Drowsiness or slowed breathing
• Seeing multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
• Flu-like withdrawal symptoms when not using
• Needing higher doses to feel the same effect

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), along with counseling and behavioral therapy, is widely recommended for opioid use disorder and supported by national clinical guidelines.

3. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium, are often prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep problems. Women are prescribed these medications more frequently than men, which may increase the risk of long-term use.

These medications are among the most commonly misused drugs in women, especially when taken with alcohol or opioids.

Possible risks include:

• Memory problems
• Physical dependence
• Severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
• Increased overdose risk when combined with other depressants

Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically serious, tapering off under medical supervision is strongly recommended.

4. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. People may start to use meth for increased energy, weight loss, or to cope with trauma or stress.

Common warning signs can include:

• Severe weight loss
• Dental deterioration (“meth mouth”)
• Insomnia
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Skin sores from repetitive scratching

There are currently no FDA-approved medications for methamphetamine addiction. Behavioral therapies and trauma-informed care remain the primary evidence-based approaches for the treatment of meth addiction.

5. Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. Some report using cocaine to enhance mood, social confidence, or productivity.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Depression
• Fatigue
• Sleep disruption
• Intense cravings

While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for cocaine addiction, structured behavioral therapies have shown effectiveness.

6. Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin are used to treat ADHD but are sometimes misused. A person may misuse stimulants for performance, weight control, or to manage fatigue.

Risks can include:

• Anxiety
• Heart complications
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological dependence

Misuse of prescription medications remains a significant concern nationally and is included in tracking data for commonly abused substances.

7. Cannabis

Cannabis is widely used and increasingly legalized in many states. However, heavy or frequent use can still lead to dependency, exacerbate your mental health and cause significant health concerns and sleep disruptions. 

Potential effects of heavy cannabis use include:

• Anxiety or mood changes
• Cognitive or memory concerns
• Dependency
• Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbance, and appetite changes

If you’re concerned about marijuana withdrawal, behavioral therapy and structured support can help manage symptoms and reduce return to use risk.

Substance use trends in Colorado

Understanding Colorado substance use trends can provide helpful context about what is happening across the state. Public health agencies collect and publish data on overdoses, emergency department visits, and the substances most often involved in harm.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) provides an interactive Overdose Dashboard where you can view:

• County-level overdose deaths
• Emergency department visits related to substance use
• Substances involved in fatal and nonfatal overdoses
• Trends over time across different regions of Colorado

CDPHE also shares information through the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), which provides more detailed insights into the circumstances surrounding overdose deaths, including drug combinations and demographic patterns.

For a broader national and state-level view, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) offers data on substance use rates, mental health conditions, and treatment access. This can help you understand how Colorado compares to national patterns.

How to interpret substance use trends

Public health data can be informative, but it should be viewed carefully:

• Population trends do not diagnose individual risk
• Rising overdose numbers do not automatically mean you or a loved one has a substance use disorder
• If trends raise concerns for you, speaking with a licensed professional can provide personalized guidance

Data can increase awareness, but personal health decisions should always be based on individual assessment and professional support.

Get help today from Women’s Recovery

If something in this blog resonated with you, trust that instinct. Many women live in quiet exhaustion for years before realizing they deserve more support.

At Women’s Recovery, we provide outpatient and partial hospitalization programs created specifically for women. We understand trauma, motherhood, careers, relationships, and mental health intersect with substance use. You will not be judged here. You will be heard.

Call 833.754.0554 to speak with a compassionate team member and explore your next step toward recovery.