Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps

TigerTank77 · **Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 03:27 AM

So, there's a quiz on facebook about this, and I figured I'd bring it here so there can actually be a discussion.

Do you think that there should be mandatory drug testing for applicants of Welfare and Food stamps?

In my opinion, I think it should be implemented. If you have to get a test done so you can legally work, then it should apply to this as well. Mostly because I don't like the idea of government money funding people's drug habits, ya know?

Kol · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 03:36 AM

I think there should be more restrictions on what people can purchase.

Khadra · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 03:36 AM

As long as the goverment funds rehabilitation programs for willing drug addicts, then I'm all for it.

star_crossd · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 03:45 AM

Yeah, I definitely think so. Some people take advantage of the system designed simply to help them get back on their feet. Theres no reason for the government to give money to people who waste it on drugs and crap.

MechanicGodCreation · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 04:15 AM

Eh, I'm on the fence on this one. Welfare maybe, because then the government is funding the drugs directly. But food stamps... people just need to eat?

Unless they are the same thing and I'm totally out in left field here.

slickguy55 · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 05:53 AM

I think thats a great idea. And the cost of the drug tests probably wouldn't require more money from tax payers because they can use the money they save from the disqualified people (who failed the drug test) in order to pay for it.

And I disagree with whoever said "as long as the government pays for rehab for those who fail" I think that would be absolutely outrageous.

Casey. · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDGE

I think there should be more restrictions on what people can purchase.

O.o There are restrictions on what Food Stamps will cover. It doesn't cover paper products, animal food, or things like that.Here, it's pretty strict on what you can buy.

Yes, drug testing would be nice. However, what's to say they don't start drugs after getting Welfare? Or, there are ways to pass a drug test, what's to say they won't do that?

Khadra · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickguy55

And I disagree with whoever said "as long as the government pays for rehab for those who fail" I think that would be absolutely outrageous.

Would you care to explain WHY you think that would be outrageous?

slickguy55 · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khadra

Would you care to explain WHY you think that would be outrageous?

Because its not the governments problem. It would be a waste of money, contradicting a major point of drug testing for welfare.

Not to mention, it would be pointless. The justice system sentences people to AA classes and rehab all of the time, and it rarely works. The addicts aren't going to put their heart and soul into a recovery process designed by the government. So it would just be a waste of money, and it isn't their problem.

PhoenixAlive · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 08:16 PM

Definitely think drug testing should be mandatory. If people are going to waste their welfare check on drugs instead of living essentials, then they are also wasting the public's money. Why should we help those who refuse to help themselves?

Through-Glass · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 08:59 PM

I do believe that any welfare program that gives money directly to a person (such as Energy Assistance) should require a drug test. It is not wise to give cash to someone who may only use it to harm themselves. However, if the applicant does not pass the drug test, I think that they should be offered treatment; after a treatment program is complete, they should be elligable once more for assistance.

However, things such as Food Stamps and Housing Programs should be open to anyone who needs it. I do not think a person should be starved or left homeless simply because they made a mistake; in addition, many people who apply for welfare have children and families. I do not believe a family should be punished just because one of them made a mistake.

Khadra · **Re: Drug Testing for Welfare/ Food Stamps -** August 14th 2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickguy55

Because its not the governments problem. It would be a waste of money, contradicting a major point of drug testing for welfare.

It's not a contradiction to drug testing because the government giving welfare to drug addicts is enabling their drug addiction, which is very unhelpful. Rehab IS helpful for drug addicts.

It's not the government's problem? So you think it's okay to just leave drug addicts without help until they eventually die? A drug addiction isn't something people can just quit cold turkey. They need help and support.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickguy55

Not to mention, it would be pointless. The justice system sentences people to AA classes and rehab all of the time, and it rarely works. The addicts aren't going to put their heart and soul into a recovery process designed by the government. So it would just be a waste of money, and it isn't their problem.

People like to eat regularly and have a place to live. If you tell people that them being sober can get them those things and that you're going to offer treatment, they are likely to work hard in treatment. Of course some people will slip up and some people will go back to their addiction, but it would help a lot of people.

That's the only way it's fair to deny drug addicts welfare anyway. They need help to get better. If you're not going to offer them help so they can get better, how can you expect them to be sober?