UCSF doctors warn Abstinence-only approach to drug use can kill

A panel of four doctors from UCSF issued a stark warning to San Francisco officials about the dangers of adopting abstinence-only approaches to drug addiction treatment, asserting that such methods can lead to fatalities. Dr. Scott Steiger emphasized that prioritizing abstinence could deny individuals access to critical medications like methadone, which are essential for preventing overdoses. The ongoing debate in San Francisco centers on whether to offer safe-use supplies and spaces or to enforce abstinence-first policies, which could involve punitive measures for those who relapse. Although harm reduction strategies have become controversial among some local leaders, the UCSF doctors argue that these methods are crucial for connecting users to treatment.

Dr. Ayesha Appa shared a compelling case where harm reduction helped a patient feel valued, ultimately leading to progress in his recovery. The doctors stressed that recovery is not a binary state but a nuanced process requiring various support mechanisms. District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a recovering addict, champions abstinence-first policies, citing what he describes as overwhelming scientific support. However, the doctors maintained that harm reduction and treatment should coexist as vital components of a comprehensive addiction strategy.