Countering Domestic Terrorism in the United States

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Code of Ethics Ethics are the values that direct a person’s conduct in social and professional settings. These standards guide mental health practice and ensure that professionals act responsibly and respectably. The association for addict professionals (NAADAC), for example, has developed a code of ethics to govern the conduct of its members. This organization provides clinical training to addiction professionals to equip them with knowledge, skills, and experience to progress in their careers. The NAADAC Code of ethics, in particular, keeps members on the cutting edge in the profession and helps them make a difference in discussions and views on addiction issues. Educational institutions and state certification boards utilize this code to assess the behavior of addiction professionals besides guiding the certification process.

The NAADAC Code of ethics contains multiple sections addressing various ethical issues related to addiction practice. The code on multiple relationships is one area that serves as new information for addiction professionals.

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NAADAC (2021) noted that professionals should avoid multiple relationships with their clients.

It clarifies that when dual relationships are unavoidable, the professionals should take the necessary precaution to avoid compromising professional judgment. Caution is also crucial in such scenarios to ensure the risk of exploiting the client is eliminated. This code might affect professionals with family members and friends struggling with addiction issues. The code suggests that addiction professionals should create boundaries when serving family members, friends, and business associates (NAADAC, 2021). These boundaries should maintain appropriate professional precautions, including consultation, informed consent, documentation and supervision. These precautions ensure that judgment is not impaired and clients are not exposed to harm.

This code has directly impacted my practice as an addiction professional since some of my friends and family have addiction problems. Despite being experienced in addiction practice, I cannot intrude on their privacy, confidentiality, and respect to change their personalities. I can only inform them of the dangers of their behaviors. I know that consultation with individuals must be appropriately documented according to the NAADAC code of ethics.

Another element included in the code of ethics is bartering. NAADAC (2021) notes that addiction professionals can engage in bartering services with their clients. However, they must follow the established principles. For instance, the client and not the professional should initiate the bartering process. The relationship should not be exploitative and should not distort the professional relationship. Although bartering is allowed under federal and state laws, the professional must have a written contract highlighting the

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terms of the agreement (NAADAC, 2021). Notably, the code states that the professionals must integrate cultural factors into the contract and document all recommendations.

In professional settings, I will integrate bartering principles into the patients’ care plans and consider the impact of multiple relationships with clients. I will employ a professional approach while dealing with people I have close relationships, including friends and family, and uphold their privacy. I will document all consultations of family members and friends and not recommend bartering for professional services to clients unless they request it. This approach is crucial for maintaining a professional relationship with clients besides eliminating the risk of exploitation.

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References NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (2021). NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics. https://www.naadac.org/assets/2416/naadac_code_of_ethics_112021.pdf