You can't apply rationality to the irrational

Which ever bright spark came up with the idea that taking benefits away from a smackhead will make them think twice before they get out the silver foil or a spoon and cook up a little bit of opium heaven needs their head testing.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not suggesting that you're average unemployed junkie should be allowed to get some of his weekly smack quota subsidised by the state, rather it's the idea that such a subsidy is an incentive to carry on is simply ridiculous.

Let's be clear for a second, being a smackhead requires commitment to the cause, and the smack is what makes the commitment strong. When someones body is screaming out for a hit, it's unlikely that taking away that person's dole is going to make the body stop screaming and the compulsion to satisfy it less.

It's all well and good to talk about a "carrot and stick" approach when you're dealing with fully-functioning rational human beings. However, a dependent heroin addict who's going cold turkey isn't exactly the most rational of beings, especially when there is a much more appealing option available than a carrot.

This is just another case of politician failing to "get" drugs.