Ethics

Ethics is defined as the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the conduct of the members of a profession. Developing and practicing ethics is an active process that continues from preservice education throughout the career of the addiction professional. Ethical issues have always been a central feature in addiction counseling, and more recently, with the trend among the states in moving from certification to licensure of addiction professionals, the issue of ethical practice takes on a more important role as the field is transformed. Addiction professionals encounter a variety of ethical dilemmas which create serious conflict among the professional duties and obligations of daily operations involving clinical practice. Moral issues greet professionals each morning from the perspective of society as reflected ...