Attention: Recovery Society has NO opinion on this drug testing for welfare issue, but we would like to hear yours. Below you will read facts and studies on the topic at hand, including states who are already participating in the matter.
On Wednesday, The Michigan House approved what is called the Pilot Program, which will allow drug testing for welfare recipients based on suspicion. Soon, Michigan’s State Senate will take a vote on the House’s bill, and I’m sure we all hope that it will become a law. Fortunately, although the vote has not yet been scheduled, an earlier version of the bill was approved by the Senate back in March, which is a good sign that they will most likely vote yes again. The legislators of Michigan are hoping that this new program, drug testing for welfare applicants and recipients who are suspected of illicit drug activity, will pass. This may be a controversial or “touchy” subject to most, but overall, it might be just what America needs to start getting people the help that they need.
Drug Testing For Welfare
Substance abuse by welfare recipients is a commonly mentioned topic and is viewed by many as a barrier to the well-being of our country and government. Welfare is a federal program that was designed to help out our nation’s needy and has been rapidly growing ever since The Great Depression. Since then, concerns (such as substance abuse among welfare recipients) have generated concerns and controversy on the topic at hand. The welfare program is great for helping out people in need, especially families with dependents. Then, truthfully, we have others who are struggling with substance abuse and are essentially “taking advantage” of the system. We, being recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, understand both sides of this controversy, having gone through this disease ourselves. Seeing it through sober eyes, it’s understandable as to why people are so upset with the matter; it’s our tax dollars helping others get high or drunk. “I think people want to make sure that we give a hand up to those in need, but they’re tired of giving their tax dollars to people who waste it on drugs,” stated by Republican state Representative Jeff Farrington of Michigan.
Many studies have been conducted on whether citizens who are on the welfare system are in fact abusing substances or not. One study showed that teens that are in the child welfare system showed a higher drug abuse rate. Many states, such as Utah and Florida, already have the drug testing for welfare program running. In 2013, a federal judge in Orlando, Florida struck a law that now requires mandatory drug testing for all welfare applicants. Back in July, the state of Tennessee initiated a program to where all those applying for welfare are required to submit to a form consisted of three questions about potential drug use or abuse. If the applicant answers yes to ANY of the three questions on the form, they are required to take a urine test. If the applicant was to test positive on that drug test, then they will receive drug abuse treatment as a direct result. Once treatment is completed, another drug test will be administered 6 months after. If the person fails the second drug test 6 months after treatment, they will be cut off from all of their welfare benefits. Studies show that as of August 3rd of this year, four people had already been removed from the welfare system due to failing their drug tests.
Getting Substance Abuse Help
Although many people may be getting drug testing for welfare, many people are still out there struggling with this disease of addiction. The fact that Tennessee is getting people drug treatment to those who failed their drug tests is great. Many people don’t understand the severity or the threat that addiction has on someone’s life. Addiction has such a stigma, that people often look at the negatives instead of realizing that you can save someone’s life. Maybe drug testing for welfare is a good idea, in hopes that people may get the help that they actually need and deserve. Recovery Society has no opinion on the drug testing for welfare issue, but we would like to hear yours. What’s your opinion on drug testing for welfare applicants and recipients? Do you believe that all states should issue this law, even Ohio?
Don’t let addiction take a toll on you or your loved one’s life. Our primary purpose of this article about drug testing for welfare is to shed light on the severity and dangers of addiction; we want to help any way we can. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, don’t wait; call for help today at 1-866-527-5252.
