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Column | Villalobos: Rehabilitation centers and support systems in Colorado are available to everyone
By Monica Villalobos-Russell Follow
monica.villalobos@usw.salvationarmy.org at Vail Daily
· July 5, 2026
· 3 min read
“Oftentimes, mental health issues and substance use disorders go hand in hand. It’s a fact that more adults in Eagle County are heavy drinkers than their peers in Colorado and the nation, and the percent of heavy drinkers is increasing, according to the 2019 Vail Health Community Health Needs Ass...
Key takeaway It’s a fact that more adults in Eagle County are heavy drinkers than their peers in Colorado and the nation, and the percent of heavy drinkers is increasing, according to the 2019 Vail Health Community Health Needs Assessment.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, the challenges of substance abuse and mental health issues are just as pressing as they are in neighboring Eagle County. The availability of rehabilitation centers and support systems in Colorado is a crucial resource for local residents struggling with addiction. Programs like the Denver Harbor Light Center offer a comprehensive approach to recovery, treating the whole person and providing a supportive community. For Aspen residents, accessing these resources may require traveling to the Front Range, but local organizations can provide vital support upon return. The Aspen School District and city government can play a key role in connecting residents with these resources and promoting a culture of support and understanding. By working together with organizations like RECONNECTED, our community can help individuals overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our community.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? “Oftentimes, mental health issues and substance use disorders go hand in hand. It’s a fact that more adults in Eagle County are heavy drinkers than their peers in Colorado and the nation, and the percent of heavy drinkers is increasing, according to the 2019 Vail Health Community Health Needs Ass...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Monica Villalobos-Russell Follow
monica.villalobos@usw.salvationarmy.org at Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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