If you discover that a fellow addictions counselor is using drugs, what are you supposed to do?

• A. Ignore to avoid conflict.
• B. Report it to the board.
• C. File a complaint with the client.
• D. Discuss it with the colleague first.

Answer: (B)

Protecting clients and ensuring accountability is the priority when you suspect a fellow addictions counselor is using drugs. Substance use can impair judgment, breach confidentiality, and compromise the safety and progress of clients, so there must be an official review of the situation. The ethical course is to report the impairment to the appropriate licensing or regulatory board, which has the authority to assess the issue, provide support or treatment as needed, and determine any necessary disciplinary or monitoring steps. This approach protects clients, upholds professional standards, and helps the colleague get appropriate help.

Ignore the issue would put clients at risk and undermine ethics. Discussing the problem directly with the colleague might be part of a supportive response in some contexts, but it does not replace the formal process. Filing a complaint with a client is unethical and violates professional boundaries and trust. So, reporting to the board is the appropriate action.