Ethical Codes Addictions Assessment

Ethical Codes and Addictions Assessment of an individual for a substance-related or addictive disorder is a sensitive practice. An addictions professional may be perceived as being in a position of power, and the client often is physically and emotionally vulnerable.

A client in an addictions assessment may be concerned about the legality of the substance he or she is using or the type of gambling in which he or she is involved since gambling is not legal in all states. He or she may also be concerned about the confidentiality of personal experiences being discussed. In recognition of the sensitive nature of Ethical Codes and Addictions Assessment, professional associations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), two of the most recognized professional associations in the field of addiction, have established codes and principles of conduct.

Addictions professionals who violate these codes and principles of ethics put at risk not only their clients but also their professional licenses, their reputations, and even their careers. Therefore, it is critical that addictions professionals familiarize themselves with the APA and NAADAC codes and principles and commit to following them in their daily practices.

To prepare on Ethical Codes and Addictions Assessment:

Review the Learning Resources, including the following:

• Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
• NAADAC Code of Ethics
• The media titled Starting the Process. Consider the behavior of the addictions professional in the media in the context of the codes of conduct established by the APA and the NAADAC. Think about the effect of ethics violations on the development of the relationship between the addiction’s counselor and the client.

Assignment:

Write a description of one example from the scenario found in this week’s media that clearly demonstrates when the professional was following APA and NAADAC ethical codes and principles. Provide a second example from the scenario that demonstrates a lack of adherence to ethical codes and principles.

Required Resources on Ethical Codes and Addictions Assessment:

1.Perkinson, R. R. (2017). Chemical dependency counseling: A practical guide (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

• Chapter 1, “The First Contact”
  Focus on the descriptions of client perspectives in the “Treatment Works” and “How to Develop the Therapeutic Alliance” sections and how these descriptions relate to the codes of ethics and principles addictions professional should follow (see this week’s Discussion area). Also focus on the information on treatment facilities and group practice to learn more about the need for multidisciplinary teams for your Assignment.
• Chapter 14, “The Clinical Staff”
  Focus on the various types of professionals that might need to be included in the multidisciplinary team.

2.American Psychological Association. (2013). Ethical Principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Retrieved from

https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index

Focus on the Preamble, which provides a rationale for following codes of ethical principles and standards. Also, on the General Principles, which sets the stage for other info on ethics violations.

3.The Association for Addiction Professionals. (2013). NAADAC code of ethics. Retrived from

Focus on the standards listed in the section titled “The Counseling Relationship” for an overview of expected behavior on the part of counselors.

4.Laureate Education (Producer). (2012b). Starting the process [Video file].