Does anyone think that the government should refuse to pay benefits to heroin addicts?

Answer 1

Well now, let's have a think about that.

Firstly: "Addicts" People who are addicted to something, it is widely held, have fallen victim to a behaviour. Perhaps we need to think about how that occurs. Should the Government stop paying benefits to people who are "addicted" to gambling, shopping, smoking, sex, prescription tranquilisers, etc, or should we examine how addictions occur and tackle the root causes? As an example, heavier penalties for those who broker, in this case, illegal drugs. Should society be looking for ways to provide the means, initially, to prevent addiction and, subsequently rehabilitate the addicted people?

Let us consider what happens if a person addicted to something is unable to get access to their substance/behaviour. They are "addicted", let's remember, and therefore either physically or psychologically dependant upon it, perhaps both. They will, therefore, seek out any means at all to obtain their "fix", including the unlawful. Would that make things better or worse? If they steal to get money to feed their addiction, eventually they are brought before the courts and, if that happens often enough, sent to prison. Do you have any idea how much it costs to keep someone in prison?
When they come out, not only are they labelled "that junkie" but they have now become "that junkie whose just come out of prison" and are more that a little disenfranchised by "decent" people and eventually find their society, (as we all do,) with people like themself. And the whole cycle begins again.
And then there's the business of addicted people falling into debt with their suppliers, and the retribution that occurs. What about "impure" or polluted supplies? When users come across this, they end up needing emergency treatment in hospitals - already overstretched and under-funded, as we know - who treat'em and street 'em, and off they go, back to their old way of life. Again, all at great cost to the tax-payers.


I don't think withholding benefits would help. In any event, I am pretty sure that the amount of money people can get from state benefits would not really be enough, by itself, to pay for increasing amounts of heroin. I am not sure what would help, but the addicted people, in my view, are the symptoms of a problem, and not the problem itself.

Some way to help people have hope, aspirations, ambitions, goals, a little empathy, maybe even some love? Oh, and education. Education is pretty damned important for this generation of addicted people but, more importantly, for future generations.

Answer 2

I think even this Government are smart enough to know that to deprive addicts of benefits would cost us all a lot more in the long run. Although I can understand the point of view that argues they don't deserve it, if they did not get benefits they would only commit more crime to fund their habits leading to increased criminal justice and prison costs which would far outweigh the price of the benefits and more suffering and tax for the rest of us.

In the USA addicts lose the right to state funded education, which means they are even further socially excluded and makes it even harder for them to recover. Allied to mandatory sentencing this has lead to a huge prison population or, mainly, undereducated disadvantaged black men and is in no way any form of workable, sustainable solution.

It's a sad fact that in a humanitarian culture there is little you can do about the free-rider problem of individuals who want benefits but aren't prepared to contribute. And once addicted it becomes very difficult to contribute; especially in the face of prejudice like yours.

The current approach is to make sure they are dosed up on enough methadone that they don't commit crime or inject and risk spreading HIV and hep C. It may not make much moral sense but it is at least humane and pragmatic.

It's the same form of thinking that advocates issuing free condoms to prostitutes; which is a bit like the state giving free brushes to self-employed painters and decorators. It seems unfair but without it there would be an even worse mess.

Answer 3

The govt. should not pay benefits to any addict, be it cocaine, heroin, cigarette or alcholic. I dont see the reason why tax-payers money should be used to pay people for their stupidity. Cocain is not cultivated in their backyards, so they bought it with money. This means they have money to pay for their drugs, but no money for maintainance. I see the govt.do a lot of stupid things, for this reason I dont pay tax anymore. Those group of people are delinquents, and a threat to a civil society, so they should be treated harshly. Put them in prisons, and from there take them to the farm to work and earn their living. They can earn a living in that way. The should not live on people's sweat. There are many good things to do with money, for instance giving to charity, where charity is needed. By charity, I dont mean giving money to Libanon for their stupidity. The war they fought with Isreal was avoidable, but they decided to fight it. It is another form of stupidity.

Answer 4

Why should heroin addicts be singled out? Do you think that cocaine addicts are morally superior???

Maybe rehab is the answer, and closing down the easy access to the US market by providers of these drugs.

Answer 5

No, the little money they get means they steal less to provide themselves with heroin.
It would be best if they were given a choice to be committed to special institutes where they will receive as much heroin as they need together with medications that will help them reduce or get rid of the need. the government should supply the drugs, by that removing a source of income to organized crime.

Answer 6

Well, the Chinese government have an effective heroin treatment programme - a single .22 round to the back of the head. I don't agree with harvesting their organs after being shot, though.

Answer 7

I think the goverment pay benefits because dont want any looking for a demand them because are they the financial group of the that addicts in the dark

Answer 8

I don't think they should refuse, maybe they should send them to some rehab center that really works, then when their clean pay 'em. The next step would be making people stop smoking, i don't smoke because its vile and just stupid to do... but its all about personal freedoms. The fact that heroin is illegal doen't help my case so.. benefits while in jail?

Answer 9

Yes i do! you have to stop the rot, to many hand outs to many living off the government,if they knew there were no benefits maybe just maybe there wouldn't be so many in that state!!! I know its an addiction,an illness,but feeding it wont stop it.

Answer 10

What an intelligent idea: increase violent crime such as muggings, robberies, murders, etc. and cause the children and families of addicts to die from starvation and neglect.

No doubt your application to work in the Whitehouse is being fast-tracked.