SF mayor unveils plan to arrest, treat drug users and open up new sobering center

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a new sobering center to address the city's escalating drug crisis, citing over 600 overdose deaths last year. The center will be overseen by Sheriff Paul Miyamoto's department and will initially accommodate 16 to 25 individuals for up to 23 hours. Individuals found using drugs in public will face arrest but will be offered treatment options instead of jail time, marking a significant policy shift. Currently, the city has several voluntary sobering and crisis stabilization centers, but the new center aims to compel treatment for those unable to care for themselves due to drug use. The initiative reflects a growing urgency to tackle the fentanyl crisis, with Lurie emphasizing innovative approaches since January.

Local nonprofit Positive Directions Equals Changes operates similar facilities that provide up to 90 days of support, addressing behavioral issues and homelessness. The sobering center is slated to open in spring 2026, leading individuals into long-term care upon release. Sheriff Miyamoto confirmed that detentions at the center will not result in criminal charges, focusing instead on recovery and treatment.