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Benefits for drug addicts – should they be dependent on treatment?
Under plans being considered by the Home Office, drug and alcohol addicts who refuse treatment could have their welfare benefits withdrawn.
It is anticipated that these "financial benefit sanctions" will encourage addicts to take action to address their drug or alcohol dependency.
However, some experts have said that withdrawing benefits from drug users could lead them into crime and prostitution.
Furthermore, it is argued that ‘forcing’ people into treatment goes against some of the most basic principles of the NHS constitution, namely that medical intervention should be therapeutic, consensual, confidential.
• Should drug and alcohol addicts be denied benefits if they refuse treatment?
• How else can the problem of substance abuse be tackled?
Under plans being considered by the Home Office, drug and alcohol addicts who refuse treatment could have their welfare benefits withdrawn.
It is anticipated that these "financial benefit sanctions" will encourage addicts to take action to address their drug or alcohol dependency.
However, some experts have said that withdrawing benefits from drug users could lead them into crime and prostitution.
Furthermore, it is argued that ‘forcing’ people into treatment goes against some of the most basic principles of the NHS constitution, namely that medical intervention should be therapeutic, consensual, confidential.
• Should drug and alcohol addicts be denied benefits if they refuse treatment?
• How else can the problem of substance abuse be tackled?
24 August2010
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