Deserving?

Okay, a lil controversal but, imagine you live in th uk with welfare open to everyone for as long as they liked, if someone has a a mental condition solely due to drug use would you be happy for the state to pay for their treatment? What if someone was ill but addiction made it worse an cost more to treat? Or maybe the person is hiding behind drugs with an illness, or maybe not.. If the economy is collapsing, how much would you accept from th unemployed? When do you draw the line?

hi deedee : )

the question you raise is not really about deserving imho. it's more about economy. Sure there is a population problem and an economical slowdown. we see it here in america too. but asking if anyone deserves or doesn't deserve a state of good mental health is deeper than "deserving". the weight of a depressed population is an economic burden in and of itself. but good question nonetheless. keep questioning...

That is a very difficult question and one that really has to be taken on a case by case basis.....imho

I always laugh, in a cynical kind of way, when I think of a client in our law office who had been collecting disability for 4 yrs, while burglarizing the neighborhood.

His disability, agoraphopia......yes, he just couldn't leave the house........ Gotta make you think!

nowhere chuckles.... (but shouldn't)

I don't think anyone wants to pay taxes for con-artists or frauds. I think that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity regardless of whether or not they made choices that caused their situation to worsen. However, I also think that accountability and taking responsibility for ones self are excellent life skills.

I don't think it is unreasonable for society to expect and perhaps demand a person participate in recovery programs etc in exchange for assistance. Meaning that if a person trying to get clean frm addiction who has lost everything .. I think it is a good thing to offer treatment and provide a clean and safe place to live while going through treatment. As long as they are trying and making an effort.

The struggle is what to do when that person refuses to participate in treatment and just wants the clean safe housing. As a society we don't really want people living in the streets, but it is difficult to help when sometimes the person can't or won't help themselves.

Tough question without easy answers.

I see addiction as a disease. Some people who are actively using are out of control and can't help themselves. I hate the thought of my money going to support somebody who continues to drink or drug, but I don't want them living on the streets either. Its a tough question that I will have to think about.