Discussion Of Ethical Codes And Principles In Addictions Ass

Discussion Ethical Codes And Principles In Addictions Assessmentthe A

Discussion: Ethical Codes and Principles in Addictions Assessment The 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 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: 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 addictions counselor and the client.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical conduct of addiction professionals during client assessments is vital to maintaining trust, confidentiality, and professional integrity. This paper explores examples from a provided media scenario, illustrating both adherence to and violations of the ethical codes established by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).

In the scenario, one clear example demonstrating adherence to ethical codes involves the addiction counselor maintaining strict confidentiality while conducting the assessment. According to the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 2017), psychologists are obliged to protect confidential information obtained in their professional work unless legally required or overridden by ethical obligations. The counselor in the scenario consistently reinforced this principle by explicitly informing the client that personal disclosures would remain confidential unless there was a risk to the client or others. This aligns with NAADAC's Code of Ethics (NAADAC, 2017), which emphasizes the importance of respecting client rights, including confidentiality and self-determination.

Conversely, a scenario illustrating a breach of ethical standards involves the counselor discussing details of the client's case with a third party without explicit consent. This behavior contravenes the APA's Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility, which underscores the importance of maintaining trustworthiness and respecting client confidentiality (APA, 2017). Furthermore, the NAADAC code advocates for practicing with integrity and avoiding exploitation or dual relationships that could compromise objectivity (NAADAC, 2017). Such unauthorized disclosure erodes the client-provider relationship, potentially damaging the client's progress and the professional's reputation.

The impact of ethical violations on the counselor-client relationship is profound. Breaching confidentiality can lead to loss of trust, emotional harm, and reluctance of clients to seek help in the future. Ethical adherence fosters a safe environment conducive to honest disclosure and effective treatment. The media scenario underscores that adherence to the professional codes not only upholds legal and ethical standards but also enhances therapeutic outcomes and professional credibility.

In conclusion, addiction professionals must navigate complex ethical landscapes with integrity. By following established guidelines from the APA and NAADAC, they demonstrate a commitment to their clients' well-being and the integrity of the counseling profession. Maintaining confidentiality, practicing with honesty and respect, and avoiding dual relationships are fundamental to ethical practice in addiction assessment and treatment.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
• NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals. (2017). NAADAC Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.naadac.org/code-of-ethics
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