Reference no: EM133534993

Assignment:

I need help with an assignment and I am hoping that someone can help me understand this better. I am having to do an ethical assignment but I am struggling with the last few questions. I live in Virginia and I know I am not required to report if a client states that another client is selling illicit drugs but I am just not processing any of it and need help to ensure I am on the right path.

You are working as a substance abuse counselor with appropriate credentials for your state. One of your clients informs you that they are currently dating someone who is also your client. They verbalized their frustrations regarding the partner's behavior and continued use. The client identifies that their partner's use is a trigger for them. Additionally, the partner is reportedly engaged in drug sales to support their addiction. It was reported that recently when confronted with this behavior the result was physical aggression toward your reporting client.

ACA Steps:

1. Identify the Problem.

• The client reports that their partner's substance use is triggering for them.
• The partner is engaging in illicit activity.
• The client's partner becomes physically aggressive towards the reporting client.
• The client's partner is also my client.

2. Apply the applicable code of ethics, laws, and literature.

• A.8. Multiple Clients When a counselor agrees to provide counseling services to two or more persons who have a relationship, the counselor clarifies at the outset which person or persons are clients and the nature of the relationships the counselor will have with each involved person. If it becomes apparent that the counselor may be called upon to perform potentially conflicting roles, the counselor will clarify, adjust, or withdraw from roles appropriately.
• NCAA II-1 Confidentiality- Addiction professionals shall understand that confidentiality and anonymity are foundational to addiction treatment and shall accept the duty to protect the identity and privacy of each client as a primary obligation. Providers shall communicate the parameters of confidentiality in a culturally sensitive manner.

3. Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma.

4. Generate potential courses of action.

5. Consider the potential consequences for each course of action for all parties involved.

6. Evaluate the selected course of action.

7. Implement your course of action.