San Francisco is currently in the midst of deliberating a new drug policy that focuses on prioritizing abstinence from illicit drugs. The policy, spearheaded by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, is being referred to as the “recovery first” approach. This proposal has ignited a heated debate among stakeholders, with concerns raised about potentially alienating individuals who may not be ready to quit drug use. On the other hand, there are those who argue that the city’s current stance on drug tolerance is excessively lenient. Mayor Daniel Lurie has identified addressing the fentanyl crisis as a key priority within this new policy framework. The proposed shift towards emphasizing recovery and abstinence marks a significant departure from the existing approaches to drug use in San Francisco. The outcome of this debate and the eventual implementation of the policy will have far-reaching implications for the city’s response to substance abuse issues.