Chapter 15 — MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
SEC. 15.19. RECOVERY FIRST SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT POLICY.
San Francisco Administrative Code · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-08 · San Francisco
(a) Title. This Section 15.19 shall be known as the “Recovery First Substance Use Disorder Treatment Policy.”
(b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 15.19, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Remission” means overcoming the illness of Substance Use Disorder to the point of living a self-directed and healthy life, free from illicit drug use.
(2) “Recovery” means the process by which an individual suffering from Substance Use Disorder strives to make positive changes that become part of a voluntarily adopted healthy lifestyle. Recovery may include participation in: a Medication-Assisted-Treatment program administered by a licensed healthcare provider in accordance with applicable laws and medical guidance; an outpatient or residential substance use treatment program; a contingency management program; or other program determined by the program participant to support their efforts to be in Remission.
(3) “Substance Use Disorder” has the meaning set forth in the 5th edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as may be amended or revised from time to time.
(c) Policy. Long-term Remission of Substance Use Disorders for individuals, with the help of fully supported and staffed evidence-based Recovery and behavioral health services, shall be the primary goal of the City’s Substance Use Disorder treatment policy.
(Added by Ord. 76-25, File No. 250190, App. 5/23/2025, Eff. 6/23/2025)