What are your primary guides in determining your conduct as an addictions counselor?

• A. Protection of public health, Safety and Welfare, and The best interest of the client.
• B. Personal beliefs
• C. Agency policy only
• D. Legal liability

Answer: (A)

In addictions counseling, decisions are guided first by the duty to protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to act in the best interest of the client. This frameworkputs harm reduction and client well-being at the center of every choice, ensuring actions promote safety, reduce risk, and support recovery while respecting the client’s needs and autonomy. The option that explicitly lists protecting public health, safety and welfare, along with the best interest of the client, aligns with these ethical commitments and provides a balanced foundation for professional conduct.

Personal beliefs should not drive practice because they can introduce bias and harm the client’s access to fair, culturally competent care. Agency policy matters for consistency and accountability, but it cannot override core ethical obligations to welfare and safety. Legal liability is a consideration, but it is not the primary guide to ethical practice; decisions should prioritize client welfare even when legal implications are complex.