Colorado Revised Statutes Title 27. Behavioral Health § 27-81-101. Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly recognizes the character and pervasiveness of substance use disorders and that substance use disorders are serious problems. The general assembly further finds and declares that these problems have been very seriously neglected and that the social and economic costs and the waste of human resources caused by substance use disorders are massive, tragic, and no longer acceptable. The general assembly believes that the best interests of this state demand an across-the-board, locally oriented attack on the massive problems of drug abuse and substance use disorders. The attack includes prevention, education, and treatment, and this article 81 provides a base from which to launch the attack and reduce the tragic human loss.

(2) It is the policy of this state that persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs should be afforded treatment so they may lead normal lives as productive members of society. The general assembly finds and declares that substance use disorders are matters of statewide concern.