Substance Abuse/Addiction
This evidence-based approach to maintaining recovery from addiction involves identifying triggers and warning signs and then developing specific coping strategies to avoid a return to negative behaviors
What is Relapse Prevention
This is the term for a persistent, strong, and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity
An addiction counselor learns that a client is engaging in illegal activities but is unsure if reporting it would breach confidentiality.
What is the ethical dilemma between confidentiality and legal obligations?
This term refers to the healthy ability to understand the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of another
Empathy or empathizing
This principle emphasizes an individual's right to make their own choices and the importance of respecting their dignity and self-determination.
What is Autonomy?
Whatever the substance is, once addiction to that substance occurs for long enough this important organ drastically changes the way it functions
Brain
This mental health disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression.
Bipolar Disorder
When faced with ethical dilemmas, addiction professionals must follow this process to resolve concerns appropriately.
Answer: What is Addressing Ethical Concerns?
To maintain healthy relationships, we should identify and communicate these physical, psychological, and emotional limits to protect ourselves from being used, manipulated, or violated by others.
Boundaries
This ethical principle, derived from Latin, encourages professionals to avoid causing intentional physical or emotional harm.
What is Non-maleficence?
This neurotransmitter is closely linked to the mind's reward system and is commonly associated with pleasure and reinforcement.
Dopamine
What does the acronym PTSD stand for?
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Charles has a long history of opioid use disorder and is currently using 8 to 10 bags of heroin a day (IV). This is the second time you have worked with Charles. During his last inpatient treatment episode, Charles talked about how he was “sick and tired of being sick and tired” and how he was motivated to reconnect with his family. He made it the sober living house and was attending the intensive outpatient program (IOP) for about three months when one day he left with another housemate and never came back.
• Are there ethical considerations to be mindful of with this case?
• What ethical dilemma possibly come up for you or could come up?
• How might you navigate the ethical waters the vignette placed you in?
• What steps could you take to address any dilemmas?
• What steps would you take to avoid certain ethical waters?
• Who would be important to include and consult with for guidance and support?
Are there ethical considerations to be mindful of with this case?
Autonomy vs. Beneficence: Charles has the right to make his own choices, even if they may not be in his best interest. However, as a professional, you also have a duty to act in his best interest and provide support.
Confidentiality: Ensuring that Charles' privacy is protected while also considering whether there are circumstances where disclosure may be necessary (e.g., if he is at risk of harm).
Nonmaleficence: Avoiding actions that could cause harm, such as forcing treatment or making assumptions about his readiness for recovery.
Stigma and Bias: Being mindful of any unconscious biases about substance use disorder and ensuring that Charles is treated with dignity and respect.
• What ethical dilemma possibly come up for you or could come up?
Involuntary Treatment vs. Personal Choice: If Charles continues to use heroin at high levels, should intervention be forced, or should his autonomy be respected?
Family Involvement: Should his family be informed or involved in his treatment, even if he has not explicitly consented?
Resource Allocation: If Charles relapses multiple times, how do you balance providing continued support while ensuring resources are available for others in need?
• How might you navigate the ethical waters the vignette placed you in?
Follow Ethical Guidelines: Refer to professional ethical codes, such as those from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) or medical ethics principles.
Harm Reduction Approach: Consider strategies that reduce harm rather than focusing solely on abstinence.
Motivational Interviewing: Engage Charles in conversations that help him explore his own motivations for change.
• What steps could you take to address any dilemmas?
• What steps would you take to avoid certain ethical waters?
Avoid Coercion: Ensure that any interventions respect Charles' autonomy.
Maintain Professional Boundaries: While empathy is crucial, maintaining professional detachment is necessary.
Stay Informed: Keep up with best practices in substance use disorder treatment.
Consult with Supervisors or Ethics Committees: Seeking guidance from experienced professionals can help clarify ethical concerns.
Engage Charles in Decision-Making: Involve him in discussions about his treatment plan to ensure his voice is heard.
Consider Legal and Policy Frameworks: Be aware of any laws or policies that may impact how you approach his case.
• Who would be important to include and consult with for guidance and support?
Supervisors and Colleagues: They can provide insight and support.
Medical Professionals: If medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an option, consulting with doctors may be beneficial.
Legal Experts: If there are concerns about involuntary treatment or confidentiality laws.
Charles Himself: His perspective is crucial in determining the best course of action.
This is the two-word term for the cooperative process of effectively resolving disputes and settling interpersonal arguments and fights in a positive manner that both sides can agree upon
Conflict resolution
This principle ensures people in similar situations are treated equally while recognizing and addressing differences to promote dignity and inclusion.
Answer: What is Justice?
These hormones often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones, are released during activities that promote well-being, like exercise, laughter, creative expression, and socialization
Endorphins
This is the term for a sudden, intense, and overwhelming episode of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and sweating.
A clinician faces pressure from an employer to shorten treatment plans for financial gain, but doing so may harm client recovery.
What is the ethical dilemma of professional integrity versus organizational demands?
This two-word term describes when you carefully hear and focus on what another person is saying and then repeat back what you heard to confirm that you understood them
Active listening or reflective listening
A healthcare provider following this principle ensures actions benefit others and promote their welfare, while avoiding imposing personal views of what is "best."
What is Beneficence?
This highly advanced and complex area of the human brain is associated with decision-making and impulse control, and is strongly impacted by addiction and intoxication
Prefrontal Cortex
This mental health disorder is characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts followed by repetitive behaviors or rituals aimed at reducing anxiety.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Addiction professionals must recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, ensuring culturally responsive care
Answer: What is Working in a Culturally Diverse World?
This refers to a close and profound emotional, psychological, and physical connection between individuals. that involves a deep level of trust, respect, vulnerability, and mutual understanding.
Intimacy
This principle ensures addiction professionals use technology, social media, and AI responsibly in client interactions.
What is Use of E-Therapy, E-Supervision, and Artificial Intelligence?