Perhaps in lieu of cheques, how about food vouchers or a debit card valid only at the grocery store? No booze, cigarettes or any pharmaceuticals allowed using the vouchers or card.  Perhaps a daily maximum to prevent people from buying steak? Addicts only get the vouchers or card if they enter a mandatory detox program. Addicts have to accept responsibility at some point. Will it reduce street crime? I'm not sure. It has to be better than simply enabling.