RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Welfare Checks, Drug Consumption, and Health JF Journal of Human Resources JO J Hum Resour FD University of Wisconsin Press SP 138 OP 161 DO 10.3368/jhr.XLI.1.138 VO XLI IS 1 A1 Chris Riddell A1 Rosemarie Riddell YR 2006 UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/XLI/1/138.abstract AB This paper investigates the link between welfare payments and drug use among injection drug users. We find an increase in the likelihood of an overdose in the days following check arrival, and in the probability of leaving the hospital against medical advice (AMA) on check day. Using the check arrival date as an instrument, we estimate the Local Average Treatment Effect of leaving AMA on subsequent readmission and the probability of a drug overdose. The results indicate that, for individuals influenced by check day, leaving AMA leads to readmission much sooner than planned discharge, longer subsequent stays in the hospital, and a substantial increase in the probability of a drug overdose.