Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A code of ethics are central to professional social work practice, setting standards by which social workers seek guidance and direction with their work.  Such codes guide ethical decision making and educate professionals about their ethical behavior and challenges and, to some extent, standards of practice.  Practice with substance use disorders, however, encompasses several unique factors that warrant elucidation and discussion. With a focus on the substance use disorder treatment system, this chapter will focus on the various macro, mezzo, and micro level issues that present situations in which ethical principles conflict.  The goal is not to identify “correct” ethical …