Are you permitted to accept gifts from service providers?

• A. Yes, with written consent.
• B. No.
• C. Yes, if the gift is modest.
• D. Yes, at any time.

Answer: (B)

Accepting gifts from service providers can blur professional boundaries and create real or perceived conflicts of interest. When a counselor receives a gift, it can raise concerns about favoritism, influence over treatment decisions, or pressure to refer clients or use certain services, which undermines client trust and objective care. Ethical guidelines in addictions counseling emphasize maintaining clear, independent boundaries with anyone involved in the client’s care or the program, and many policies prohibit accepting gifts from vendors or providers to prevent coercion or bias.

That’s why the safest and most appropriate stance is not to accept gifts from service providers. If something is offered, the prudent approach is to decline and follow your agency's policy or consult a supervisor. The other options imply lifting or bypassing boundaries (written consent, modest gifts, or gifts at any time), which still risks compromising professional objectivity.