cherrybim -“Most addicts will do just about anything to feed their addiction. Many a “frum” girl will sell her body and “frum” men will steal to get their needed fixes. So while your money will indeed be used to temporarily satisfy the addiction, you are also preventing additional aveiros.”
While you make interesting points -your post is full of fallicies.
You don’t know for sure how they will get the money if not by your donation, so that isn’t your Cheshbon. But if there is a good chance that your donation will be used to buy drugs, then you can’t give them any money.
“Other issues: What about the tobacco addict; $25 of your tzedaka gets burned up every day, or about $8000 a year, to the poor guy who smokes.
And what about the fat collector? If the poor schnorrer is obese and can’t control his food cravings, your tzedaka money is going to the pizza store or restaurant across the street.
And what if the poor guy loves fine wine and spirits?”
While you make good points about other addictions, there are inherent differences; although if the guy is an obvious Wino, I would put him in the same category as the drug addict.
While there might be health dangers with regards to smoking & overeating, they are acceptable in our society. So this can’t be taken into account if the person is indeed in need of Tzedaka!