San Francisco leaders have been struggling to fight the addiction epidemic for years. With newfound poverty from the pandemic, a new era of homelessness and addiction has been ushered in.

The Addiction Epidemic On Full Display in San Francisco

Never has the addiction epidemic been so visible or vulnerable to the exploits of media clicks. Publications like the Daily Mail and other right-wing websites often show large images of people in wheelchairs or partial states of dress, shooting up graphically in public. Many of them are in torn clothing or have visible sores or scars. The media blames local leaders. Leaders blame the pandemic.  Whatever the case, it’s caused Governor Newsom to take notice of the crisis and reject a recent bill legalizing safe injection sites. The answer to the crisis may require the expertise of addiction industry specialists.

“In San Francisco we’ve seen a tripling of deaths that are connected to opioid overdoses in just the last four years,” said Assemblyman Matt Haney, the political figure who has decided to form a special legislative committee that draws on the experience of addiction experts and others who work with addicted persons. “The goal of this committee is to develop state solutions, legislative solutions, and a statewide plan to respond to this opioid epidemic,” said Haney.

Other Vulnerabilities In San Francisco’s Homeless

Many of the people featured in the media at homeless camps don’t only suffer from addictive tendencies. Almost all are homeless and indigent. Many don’t have health insurance or are waiting on disability. Some are veterans who have trouble accessing benefits.

People who live with substance use disorder are more likely to be victims of crime or experience sexual abuse or trauma as children. Many people live with untreated mental illness or poorly controlled symptoms of medical conditions. These conditions can increase a person’s chances of getting and staying sober.

Resources such as Medication-Assisted Treatment, sober coaching, and addiction education have become common in other states. Expanding access to treatment and recovery can only be suitable for San Francisco’s vulnerable residents. Treatment options are available for people who need them, but few San Fransisco residents look up opioid treament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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