Ethics in Addiction Counseling: Navigating Boundaries and Dual Relationships
This comprehensive course examines the unique ethical challenges faced by addiction counselors in their daily practice. Through case studies, self-reflection exercises, and examination of the NAADAC Code of Ethics, participants will develop practical skills for navigating ethical dilemmas. Topics include managing boundaries in small communities, dual relationship challenges, confidentiality obligations, mandated reporting requirements, and structured approaches to ethical decision-making. The course is designed for counselors at all experience levels and satisfies ethics-specific CE requirements for most state certification boards.
One-time purchase · Lifetime access
Dr. Sarah Chen
PhD, LPC, MAC, CSAT
What You'll Learn
- Identify at least three ethical dilemmas common in addiction counseling settings
- Apply the NAADAC Code of Ethics to real-world clinical scenarios involving boundary issues
- Distinguish between boundary crossings and boundary violations in the context of substance use treatment
- Demonstrate a structured ethical decision-making process using at least two recognized models
- Evaluate confidentiality obligations specific to substance use disorder treatment records under 42 CFR Part 2
Course Outline
This module covers key concepts related to introduction to ethical frameworks in addiction counseling. Estimated completion time: 20 min. You must spend the minimum required time in this module before proceeding.
Your Instructor
Dr. Sarah Chen
PhD, LPC, MAC, CSAT
Dr. Chen has over 20 years of experience in addiction counseling education. She serves as Associate Professor of Counseling at the University of South Florida and maintains a clinical practice specializing in substance use disorders. She is a past president of her state NAADAC affiliate and has authored numerous publications on ethical practice in addiction treatment.
This Course Satisfies
- NAADAC Ethics Requirement (all levels)
- Florida Certification Board — Ethics (CAP, CMHP)
- Texas DSHS — Professional Ethics (LCDC)
- IC&RC — Ethics Domain (IC&RC ADC, AADC)
- Ohio Chemical Dependency Board — Ethics
- California DHCS — Ethics (SUD Counselors)
- Pennsylvania Certification Board — Ethics
- New York OASAS — Professional Ethics (CASAC)
Reviews (4)
Michael T.
CADC-II, Oregon
Easily the best ethics CE I've taken. The case studies were directly relevant to my practice, and the section on dual relationships in small communities really hit home. I work in a rural area and this gave me practical tools I started using immediately.
January 2026
Lisa R.
LCDC, Texas
Dr. Chen's expertise really shines through. The content on 42 CFR Part 2 was thorough and current. I appreciated that the course went beyond just 'here are the rules' and actually helped us think through the gray areas we face every day.
December 2025
James W.
CASAC-T, New York
Very well-organized course with excellent content. The ethical decision-making models were particularly helpful. I would have liked even more case studies, but overall this is a high-quality course that I'd recommend to colleagues.
February 2026
Patricia M.
CAP, Florida
Finally, an ethics course that doesn't feel like a box-checking exercise. The material was engaging and thought-provoking. The reflection questions throughout made me really examine my own practice. Well worth the investment.
November 2025