Ethical Dilemmas In Substance Abuse Counselor

726 Words2 Pages

Professional counselors are confronted with ethical decision making on a regular day-to-day basis. This could be both nerve-racking and challenging. In order for a counselor to face these ethical decisions, it is important for them to have guidelines in place for when an ethical or legal situation occurs. The first step is to recognize there is an ethical dilemma, once this is recognized the process to resolve it can be started (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2008).
For a new substance abuse counselor it can be difficult to recognize an ethical dilemma. Not that substance abuse counselor’s are ignorant, but most counselors are oblivious to the fact that everything an individual does, has an ethical dimension. Discovering if the dimension is ethical …show more content…

For Example if confidentiality is the dilemma The NAADAC Code of Ethics states that” Every effort is made to protect the confidentiality of client information, and in very specific cases or situations to disclose information appropriately and according to federal law”(NAADAC, 2011, para. 5). In as much According to ACA Code of Ethics counselors are required to violate confidentiality only “to protect clients or identified others from serious and foreseeable harm or when legal requirements demand that confidential information must be revealed” (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2005). Therefore, since trust is one of the most important aspects of a counselor client relationship a counselor must be certain if confidentiality is the ethical dilemma being presented, there should be clear-cut reasons for the information to be disclosed. If a counselor is educated with the proper laws and the relevant Code of ethics pertinent to there field of study they can validate their decision to supervisor, clients, and even legal entity’s if …show more content…

This involves ascertaining the behavioral results the counselor expects to accomplish and putting a plan in place to accomplish them. Also ascertaining any additional information needed to carry out a successful behavioral course. In as much this is the time to consult with colleagues or supervisors. This allows a counselor to sort out their choices and collect advice on the most ethical choice to be made. Once all the pieces are connected, it is then time to implement the decision. This is something the counselor must do on their own, taking into account the moral responsibility of their client, as well as their profession, and be held responsible for the decision that is

Show More
Related

  • ACA Code Of Ethics Analysis

    176 Words  | 1 Pages

    It is important as a professional health care provider to have guidelines, regulations, and ethical standards to obey when providing care to the public. The ACA is to improve the quality of professional counselors in the community with education, knowledge, and guidelines by providing an ACA Code of Ethics standard when delivering treatment toward a clientele (American Counseling Association, 2015). One particular part of the ACA mission that is essential, is the ACA Code of Ethics. The purpose of the ACA Code of Ethics is a guide to ensure counselors in training and professional counselors understand the ethical obligations toward clients, possible grievances for conduct unbecoming, and professional responsibilities, which supports the ACA

    Read More

  • Lying on the Couch By Irvin Yalom

    930 Words  | 2 Pages

    American Counseling Association (2005). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. - See more at: http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethics#sthash.13ImD8Lb.dpuf

    Read More

  • Dual Relationships and Self-Disclosure

    1117 Words  | 3 Pages

    Official Site in Addiction Technology Transfer Center. Ethical Challenges for counselor competency. 23. May. 2000. Online Available

    Read More

  • Overview of Cocaine

    1765 Words  | 4 Pages

    Scott, C. G. (2000). Ethical issues in addictions counseling. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 43(4), 209. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213919931?accountid=12085

    Read More

  • Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning

    643 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...constitute unethical behavior, it is unclear to what extent counselors know and agree that such behavior is unethical. This behavior could lead to ACA (1995) and AMHCA (2000) ethical reprimands and to loss of license via actions of state licensing boards. Counselors may need more explicit standards to direct their behavior regarding this issue (Braun, Cox, 2006).

    Read More

  • Chemical Dependency Counseling

    1620 Words  | 4 Pages

    Chemical dependency counseling involves direct interactions with the clients and as such standards need to be set which will promote safe and accountable counseling. Chemical dependency counseling has a set code of ethics, guidelines and regulations that seek to safeguard the interests of everybody involved. Laws and ethics ensure that everyone acts in a way that does not cause harm to others. Laws and ethics also help to give the profession its credibility. The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (2014) gives provisions on the conduct of counselors as stipulated by the law. Chapter 135-7-01 provides the various responsibilities of counselors to their clients. Every counselor has a responsibility to their clients. It is their primary duty to promote the welfare of their clients and meet the client’s best interests.

    Read More

  • Ethics in the Mental Health Profession

    1264 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the mental health profession of counseling, therapy, psychology, psychiatric and social services ethical dilemmas are faced primarily on a daily basis. Being that mental health professionals are working with clients who are often fragile and vulnerable, they must develop an intense awareness of ethical issues. On the other hand, mental health professionals would never intentionally harm their clients, students or colleagues and others whom they work with. Unfortunately, good intentions are not enough to ensure that wrong doings will not occur and mental health professionals have no choice but to make ethically determined decisions. Depending upon the experience and expertise of the professional determines the outcome of the ethical circumstance. For example, if you were practicing mental health professional and had a friend who’s a licensed psychologist, who is invited to attend the wedding of a patient that she has been seeing in court-ordered therapy for a year; what advice would you give your friend?

    Read More

  • Ethical Issues In Counseling

    1132 Words  | 3 Pages

    So your opinions on the topic may or may not help out the situation and also in some unfortunate cases can send the client into a ‘downward spiral’. By expressing your ethical issues on the topic to your client you may trigger unwanted emotions. These unwanted emotions can drive the client to hurt themselves or even make the client take legal actions towards the counselor. Ways to prevent this from happening is learning your own self-control and what your limits are when its comes to dealing the client. “You want to consider the best action that will protect your client’s needs, but you also want to ask yourself: What is the best action to protect the profession and myself? (Berton, J. D. (2014). Make the Rule to Break the Rule: Setting Your Ethical Standards. Counselor: The Magazine For Addiction Professionals, 15(5), 10-12

    Read More

  • Ethical Principles in Clinical Mental Health

    714 Words  | 2 Pages

    Aspirational ethics reach toward higher standards than those of mandatory ethics, requiring the counselor to possess a stronger sense of duty. These principles guide counselors to do more than simply meet the “letter of the law” of the ethics code. The welfare of the client becomes the main focus of the counselor, who takes into consideration not only the interventions, but also the effects on the client. (Kottler & Shepard, 2011) Aspirational ethics include, but are not limited to the following principles.

    Read More

  • Alcoholism - No Easy Solution

    995 Words  | 2 Pages

    Falcone, Timothy J. "Alcoholism and Drug Addiction FAQ's Saint Jude Retreat House. 19 April 2004. Online. Internet. 19 April 2004. Available: http://www.soberforever.net/FAQ1.cfm.

    Read More

  • Boundaries and Ethics in a Counseling Relationship

    2216 Words  | 5 Pages

    G.P. Koocher & P. Kieth-Spiegel (1998) pointed out many conflict of dual and multiple role including personal, client/therapist, therapist/supervisor and therapist/colleague, and how they can improve and complicate the counselling process. Boundaries and competence runs along side one another, which made come to conclusion that if the therapist is considering breaking them s/he should know what they breaking and how to break them ethically. Sometimes the outcome of ethical dilemma can only be “determined by the client and counsellor at that time” which could enable the therapist to change the priorities of Ethical principles and modify his/her actions according to the client’s circumstances (T. Bond, 2000:62).

    Read More

  • Pharmacotherapy in Drug Addiction

    1380 Words  | 3 Pages

    Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2008). Foundations of addictions counseling. Boston, M.A: Pearson Education.

    Read More

  • Essay On Motivational Interviewing

    2617 Words  | 6 Pages

    Indeed, I can honestly say that my understanding and knowledge of addiction counseling has increased exponentially. The work performed in this class on the Biblical Word Study and the 12 STEPS program has given me a detailed introduction into this perplexing, multi-dimensional, continual process of addiction counseling. Honestly, I have to admit that in many regards to this scope of counseling I was completely ignorant and thought like many others that addiction is a choice and why can’t people just stop. After this paper I have a new appreciation for the helping profession and those struggling for sobriety. My ultimate goal is to allow God to mold me for His use and purpose to reach and introduce souls to my Savior; allowing Him to make their lives whole through me.

    Read More

  • Dual Relationships Between Counselors and Clients

    1588 Words  | 4 Pages

    Each situation discussed in this paper provides opportunities for a counselor to explore how a dual relationship would impact the therapeutic relationship with clients and the overall well being of clients. Each ethical dilemma should be handled individually and with the support of a counselor’s supervisor while also taking into account laws or guidelines set forth by employers as decisions are made. As a new counselor I look forward to this decision making process and the personal growth I will experience and the clients I will benefit as a result of my ethical actions.

    Read More

  • Counseling: Ethical Issues

    1774 Words  | 4 Pages

    Ethical issues in a counseling practice lay the foundation of a therapist in practice. Ethics are at the center of how the counseling process functions and operates in a successful manner for the clients who seek help in such a setting. In order for the counseling profession to be ethical and hold professional recognition, there are many facets that need to be examined and outlined to make sure all counselors and practitioners are functioning at the highest level and withholding their duties required by the counseling profession. The first introduction so to speak of the area of ethics also happens to be one of the first steps in counseling, which is the informed consent. The informed consent provides the basis of what happens or will be happening in a counseling setting and serves to inform the client to their rights, responsibilities, and what to expect. Most importantly, the informed consent is in place for the client’s benefit. It also is important to understand that culture and environment play a role in the treatment of a client and how theories can positively or negatively impact this treatment. Therapists need to understand how to work within the context of a theory while being able to understand the individual in their own environment. Although theories are put into place to serve as a framework, there are also alternative ways to approach counseling, one example being evidence-based practice. Such an approach is very specific, which presents a series of solutions for counseling as a whole, but also brings forth many problems. Every approach or theory introduces ethical concerns that need to be taken into consideration by the entire counseling community and how each can positively and negatively affect clients and the pr...

    Read More

More about Ethical Dilemmas In Substance Abuse Counselor

Open Document