Staff Code of EthicsCode of Ethics Every code of ethics borrows from what others have done. Each code tries to reflect the particular profession’s individual needs, and several codes have been developed for the addiction field; for example, by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) in 1992, and by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC 1987, 1990; also Madden and Offenberg 1979, Staub and Kent 1973, Valle 1979). The one offered below was initially borrowed from another source, then further developed in two different residential treatment centers, then modified again after consideration of ASAM’s code. It should not be regarded as finished, nor is it presented as a model. It does reflect the efforts of a number of concerned people to reach some sort of agreement about how we, as professionals in the addiction field, can conduct ourselves as we work together. It will provide a starting point. Staff Code of Ethics 1. As a member of the GREATPLACE professional staff or member of its board of directors, I will place the welfare of our patients and their families in matters affecting them above all other concerns. 2. To this end, I will deliver kind and humane treatment to all in my care regardless of race, creed, reproductive status, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation. 3. I will not deliberately do harm to a patient, either physically or psychologically. I will not verbally assault, ridicule, attempt to subjugate, or endanger a patient, nor will I allow other patients or staff to do so. 4. I will urge changes in the lives of patients only in their behalf and in the interest of promoting recovery from the illness we are charged to treat. I will not otherwise press them to adopt beliefs and behaviors that reflect my value system rather than their own. 5. I will remain aware of my own skills and limitations. Since patients and former patients may perceive me as an authority and hence overvalue my opinions, I will attempt never to counsel or advise them on matters not within my area of expertise. I will be willing to recognize when it is in the best interest of my patients to release or refer them to another program or individual. 6. I will not engage in any activity that could be construed as exploitation of patients for personal gain, be it sexual, financial, or social. 7. I will not attempt to use my authority over a patient in a coercive manner to meet my own ends. I will not promote dependence on me, but help patients to empower themselves. 8. I will not name or give information about a patient, former patient, or family member except to other GREATPLACE staff as required by treatment or when specifically authorized by the patient. 9. I understand and agree to defend both the spirit and the letter of GREATPLACE policy on patient rights and the patient’s bill of rights, and to respect the rights and views of other professionals. 10. As a caring and caregiving person, I understand that a therapeutic relationship does not end with a person’s leaving GREATPLACE. I will recognize the need to conduct any subsequent relationships with former patients with the same concern for their well-being that is acknowledged above. Sexual involvement with a patient is unethical. Sexual involvement with a former patient exploits emotions deriving from treatment and is therefore almost always unethical.11. In my personal use of alcohol and other mood-altering drugs, I will serve as a responsible role model for patients, staff, and community. If I have been chemically dependent in the past, I will maintain total abstinence while employed at GREATPLACE. 12. I will exhibit responsible concern for the well-being of my peers and the GREATPLACE community by not ignoring manifestations of illness or unethical conduct in colleagues. 13. I will accept responsibility for my continuing education and professional development as part of my commitment to providing quality care for those who seek my help. (Bissell & Royce. Ethics for Addiction Professional 2nd ed. 1994. pgs