Colorado Revised Statutes Title 16. Criminal Proceedings § 16-11.5-101. Legislative declaration

The general assembly declares that substance abuse, specifically the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances, is a major problem in the criminal justice system of the state of Colorado and in the entire nation. Substance abuse is a significant factor in the commission of crimes, and it is a significant factor in impeding the rehabilitation of persons convicted of crimes, which results in an increased rate of recidivism. Therefore, the general assembly resolves to curtail the disastrous effects of substance abuse in the criminal justice system by providing for consistency in the response to substance abuse throughout the criminal justice system and to improve and standardize substance abuse treatment for people at each stage of the criminal justice system and to provide a range of individualized behavioral responses for people who do not respond successfully to substance abuse treatment while the people are involved with the criminal justice system.