Steamboat Springs Hosts 'Rethinking Drinking' Event Amid High Local Alcohol Consumption Rates

Key points

• Annie Grace, founder of This Naked Mind, presented 'Rethinking Drinking' to over 100 people in Steamboat Springs on Oct. 13, 2026.
• The Katz Amsterdam Foundation 2026 Community Snapshot found 31.8% of Routt County adults report excessive drinking, compared to 17% nationally.
• 73.2% of local adults reported drinking in the past 30 days, higher than the 54% U.S. average.
• Grace explained that alcohol causes a stimulant buzz followed by a depressive effect, leading to increased consumption to maintain the buzz.
• The event was the first of three planned presentations by Grace, hosted by UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center Foundation.
• Local youth data shows 31% of Steamboat Springs High School students used alcohol in the past 30 days, with 64.3% finding it easy to obtain.

Background

Steamboat Springs has recently faced other public health challenges, including a measles exposure alert in September 2026. The town also received global recognition for its natural beauty in October 2026. This event follows a trend of increased focus on behavioral health and substance abuse prevention in Colorado mountain communities.

Why it matters

High rates of excessive drinking in Steamboat Springs pose significant health risks, including increased cancer risk and negative impacts on youth. The event highlights the need for community-wide education and support to reduce alcohol normalization and improve public health outcomes.

What to watch

Two more presentations by Annie Grace are planned in Steamboat Springs to continue the dialogue on alcohol consumption. Local organizations like The Health Partnership and The Phoenix are offering resources and sober events to support individuals seeking to reduce or stop drinking.