Drug Tests for Welfare?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/11/us/states-adding-drug-test-as-hurdle-for-welfare.html?pagewanted=1&hp

This is an interesting issue that has really picked up speed over the past couple of years. It's so complex, I find it hard to be able to definitively choose a side.

To break it down:

Our welfare system needs reforming. There are many people that abuse the system. But there are also even more people who do not. Of course no one wants welfare money being used for things it's not supposed to be used for. But is drug testing the way to go? As someone who was on Food Stamps for a while (back in my AmeriCorps days)- it already felt degrading enough when I finally realized that I couldn't survive on the Monopoly money I was paid and needed to get assistance. It was a process where you are made to feel like a bad person and given no sympathy. Is this how we should be treating people? It almost feels like we're kicking people when they're at their lowest.

I guess my question is- is there a better way?

I think back to "Bowling for Columbine"- you don't have to be a Michael Moore fan (I'm on the fence) but the movie does touch on the subject of Welfare to Work, which only let welfare recipients get assistance for so long and then forced them to get minimum wage jobs to cover it. In theory and on paper, this looks good. People are going and making something of themselves not just leeching off the system. But who will raise their kids? That responsibility then falls on the school and it seems like a vicious cycle is starting. I'm not saying I'm completely opposed to such a program. I guess if anything, I'm just trying to point out that it's not as black and white as many like to make it seem- will requiring drug tests be the catalyst to social change that we need to reform our welfare programs? I don't know.