ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the key ethical concepts to consider when working with an individual or family with the presentation of substance abuse or addictions. This chapter will not be able to do justice to the variety of ethical considerations needed when working with clients, and in particular with clients dealing with substance abuse and family issues. We also will not be able to do a cross comparison of the various organizations’ ethical codes. Rather, we will focus on their similarities to provide a foundation to consider when working in the addiction field. However, throughout the chapter, we provide examples from many different organizations’ ethical codes to demonstrate the variety of codes along with their particular wording for that ethical principle and guideline. Specifically, the chapter covers the core ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, fidelity, and veracity. It also explores risk factors and suicide as well as the duty to warn and duty to protect. The chapter ends by exploring models of ethical decision making.
