San Francisco supports Senate Bill 110 to legalize contingency management for addiction treatment

A pivotal resolution supporting California State Senate Bill 110, known as the Recovery Incentives Act, was the highlight of the recent San Francisco County government meeting. This bill, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, aims to legalize Contingency Management, a treatment approach that incentivizes individuals battling substance use disorders with financial rewards for engaging in treatment programs.

Supervisor Safaie, a key supporter of the resolution, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting its potential to reduce recidivism among individuals with substance abuse issues. He highlighted that approximately 75% of adults on probation have underlying substance abuse problems, making effective treatment crucial. "Contingency management has been found to be effective at promoting abstinence," he stated, underscoring its role in addressing the city's ongoing overdose crisis, particularly related to methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Laura Thomas, Director of Harm Reduction Policy at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, presented data supporting the efficacy of contingency management. She revealed that 63% of participants in their program stopped using stimulants altogether, while 19% reduced their usage. Thomas noted that the bill recently passed the Senate Health Committee with a 10 to 1 vote, moving it closer to becoming law.

The discussion also touched on the need for Medi-Cal to cover contingency management, which is currently not included in its benefits. Supervisor Stephanie echoed the urgency of expanding treatment options, stating, "We need to follow the evidence and listen to those who have suffered from addiction." She pointed out that the Biden administration has endorsed this approach as a viable strategy to combat addiction and overdose crises.

As the meeting progressed, supervisors expressed a commitment to exploring additional funding for substance abuse programs in the upcoming budget, aiming to create a comprehensive continuum of care that includes both harm reduction and abstinence-based treatment options. The resolution's passage could mark a significant step forward in addressing the substance abuse epidemic in San Francisco, providing much-needed support for individuals seeking recovery.