Ethical Issue in SUD Treatment
NASW Social Work Values
Dolgoff Decision Model
Ethical Principles
SUD Practice in Urban Communities
100

This ethical dilemma occurs when a counselor must choose between protecting a client’s privacy and protecting others from harm.

What is confidentiality vs duty to protect?

100

Dolgoff identifies six core social work values. This value emphasizes helping individuals and communities in need. 

What is service?

100

Step 1 of the ethical decision model requires identifying this.

What is the ethical dilemma or problem?

100

This principle prioritizes preventing serious harm or death.

What is protection of life?


100

This barrier often prevents individuals in marginalized communities from seeking addiction treatment.

What is stigma?


200

A client in treatment for substance use disorder tells a counselor they plan to drive while intoxicated after group.

What is an ethical dilemma involving risk to public safety?

200

This value focuses on challenging inequality and advocating for vulnerable populations.

What is social justice?

200

Step 2 involves identifying the people affected by the ethical decision.

What are the stakeholders?

200

This principle focuses on fairness and equal treatment.

What is social justice?


200

This ethical value requires advocating for equal access to treatment resources.

What is social justice?


300

An addiction counselor discovers a colleague is falsifying client attendance records for funding.

What is an ethical issue involving professional integrity?

300

This value requires social workers to treat clients with respect and recognize their inherent value.

What is dignity and worth of the person?

300

Step 3 involves considering possible ways to respond to the dilemma.

What are alternative courses of action?

300

This principle allows clients to make their own choices about treatment.

What is self-determination?

300

Social workers must understand cultural experiences and structural barriers affecting addiction.

What is cultural competence?


400

This ethical issue occurs when a counselor treats a close friend or family member.

What is a dual relationship?

400

This value emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection with clients.


What is importance of human relationships?

400

Step 5 requires evaluating options using ethical principles and professional standards.

What is ethical analysis?

400

This principle requires choosing the option that causes the least harm.

What is least harm?

400

Structural issues such as poverty, housing instability, and lack of healthcare are examples of this.

What are social determinants of health?

500

This occurs when a counselor imposes their personal values about sobriety onto a client.

What is value imposition?

500

These two values require honesty in practice and maintaining professional skills.

What are integrity and competence?


500

The final step requires the social worker to take action and review the outcome.

What is implementing and evaluating the decision?

500

This principle protects private client information.

What is confidentiality?

500

Ethical addiction treatment must involve this approach that considers cultural context and community support.

What is culturally responsive care?