8-1 Discussion
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
200
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by CaptainIron12513
My original definition of addition that was stated back in the first
week of our term was:
The inability to control habits that are creating negative impacts
on the individual and those around them as well as a means of
coping with unresolved trauma, obsessive thinking, and a lack of
impulse control.
Through this course I do feel this definition still applies, I would
like to add that I also believe that addiction is a disease of the
body and the mind – one that cannot be cured, only arrested.
Upon reviewing the code of ethics, one area I feel is of absolute
importance is client advocacy. This section (I-20) states
“
Addiction professionals shall advocate on behalf of clients at
individual, group, institutional, and societal levels. Providers shall
speak out regarding barriers and obstacles that impede access to
and/or growth and development of clients. When advocating for a
specific client, providers shall obtain written consent prior to
engaging in advocacy efforts”
(
Code of Ethics
, n.d.).
Further sections III-29 and III-30 state “
Addiction professionals
shall be aware of society’s prejudice and stigma towards people
with substance use disorders, and shall willingly engage in the
legislative process, educational institutions, and public forums to
educate people about addictive disorders, and shall advocate for
opportunities and choices for clients. Providers shall advocate for
their clients as needed”
and “
Addiction professionals shall be
aware of society’s prejudice and stigma towards people with
substance use disorders, and shall willingly engage in the
legislative process, educational institutions, and public forums to
educate people about addictive disorders, and shall advocate for
opportunities and choices for clients. Providers shall advocate for
their clients as needed”
(
Code of Ethics
, n.d.).
I cannot stress how important I believe this is for the client and
society as a whole. There are many stigmas related to addiction,
and a counselor who is educated and fighting to break those, one
who seeks to facilitate change within legislature, the courts, and
other areas in the community really shows their commitment to
helping others in recovery. Being a client myself in the past, this is
an area that affected me in so many ways.
When a counselor
would advocate for me, it truly showed how much they cared
about my well-being and my continued success. As a client, it can
be difficult to feel you have a voice, and having someone be able
to stand up for you when you feel you can't is a massive
contributor to achieving life-long recovery.
Further review of the code of ethics brought me to section I-10
which encompasses boundaries. This section states “
Addiction
professionals shall consider the inherent risks and benefits
associated with moving the boundaries of a counseling
relationship beyond the standard parameters. Providers shall
obtain consultation and supervision, and recommendations shall
be documented”
(Code of Ethics
, n.d.).
Clients can easily misunderstand the nature of the counseling
relationship, so counselors need to set clear boundaries in their
work. A professional relationship involves a high level of
emotional vulnerability, which can be similar to a friendship and
easy to misinterpret. The major difference in a traditional
friendship is that there is reciprocal intimacy. In a counseling
relationship, the client must be at the center. There is always a
chance for harm and exploitation if boundaries are crossed or a
dual relationship is formed (Herlihy, 2017). I feel this may be a
difficult area for newer or less experienced counselors as the
desire to create a trusting and collaborative relationship may lead
to boundary issues such as these.
References
Code of Ethics
. (n.d.). NAADAC. https://www.naadac.org/code-of-
ethics
Herlihy, B. (2017, November). Ethics Update: Boundaries across
borders.
ct.counseling.org
.
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