How San Francisco is changing its response to drug addiction

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed the "Recovery First" ordinance, shifting the city's focus from harm reduction to long-term treatment for drug addiction. This policy addresses the fentanyl crisis, which has severely impacted the community. Supervisor Matt Dorsey articulated the goal of fostering drug-free living, stating that the city should do more than just make drug use safer. The ordinance complements Lurie's existing initiatives, including a $37. 5 million fund aimed at improving mental health and housing services, and the addition of new treatment beds.

Despite this proactive approach, critics like Jennifer Friedenbach from the Coalition on Homelessness argue that insufficient housing resources lead to relapses among addicts. Dorsey acknowledges the importance of harm reduction but hopes the new policy will better demonstrate the city's commitment to recovery. He plans to introduce more legislation soon, including pathways for recovery-oriented options in permanent supportive housing. The city’s evolving strategy highlights the complexities of addressing addiction and homelessness.