In order to ensure the protection and fair treatment of all under the care of substance abuse professionals, all U.S. states impose certain standards and ethical principles on the profession as a whole. Licensed and certified substance abuse professionals agree to a standard of ethical conduct in order to become licensed and/or certified. They renew the agreement on an annual basis in order to keep that qualification. Ethical principles apply to all behaviors involved in treating substance abuse clients within a professional setting.
Objectivity and Nondiscrimination
Ethical standards insist that a substance abuse professional should remain objective in her opinions and assumptions related to clients under her care, and not impose her own beliefs or religious convictions on those whom she treats for the disease of substance abuse. In addition, according to the NAADAC, an association for addiction professionals, the substance abuse professional is expected to not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, national origins, sexual orientation, economic condition or any other aspect of an individual protected under the law.
Educational Standards/Assigning Credit to Others as Appropriate
In some form, the NAADAC says, all states expect the substance abuse professional to recognize the need for continued education in order to maintain current standards of competence in addiction science and to adequately treat clients with substance abuse disorders. He is expected to accept the responsibility of continuously improving his expertise and skills in treating those who suffer from addictive disease. Most states, such as West Virginia, mandate that the substance abuse professional should always give credit to any and all sources used in publishing or in professional presentations.
Moral Codes and Client Welfare
The substance abuse professional is expected to uphold and support the expected moral codes of behavior within the field when working in the capacity of treating addicted individuals, the NAADAC says. He is obligated to protect the personal welfare and integrity of every person and/or group for whom he offers services.
Client Confidentiality
The substance abuse professional is expected to protect the client's privacy by maintaining the confidentiality of every client record through the safekeeping of, and refusal to disclose, confidential information acquired through teaching, practice, research or investigation. Also, the NAADAC says, substance abuse professionals are expected to insist upon the confidentiality of all records under their control.
Informed Consent/Practice Only in Area of Expertise
The substance abuse professional is expected to inform the client of the nature of services, and of any risks involved, according to the NAADAC Code of Ethics. The client should know of all situations in which confidentiality is not protected, such as in cases of suicidal behavior, child abuse or homicidal threats.
The substance abuse professional should not attempt to offer service or advice that is beyond his or her level of expertise or knowledge.
Sexual Conduct
State and national codes of ethics say substance abuse professionals are expected to avoid any sexual relationship with clients or the client's significant others. There is naturally an imbalance of power in client/therapist relationships that causes sexual relationships between counselors and clients to be ethically inappropriate, the NAADAC says.
Respect Toward Other Professionals, and Clients
Substance abuse professionals are expected to treat other professionals with utmost dignity and respect. The NAADC says they are expected to cooperate with other professionals whenever doing so is in the best interest of the client served. Counselors and other professionals are expected to avoid demeaning, intimidating, and otherwise harassing behaviors toward clients, other professionals, or those over whom they have authority.
