National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is the primary benefit of having a established code of ethics in addiction counseling?

1. To unify team approaches

2. To guide professional conduct

3. To increase client intake

4. To ensure profitability

The correct answer is: To guide professional conduct

The primary benefit of having an established code of ethics in addiction counseling is that it serves to guide professional conduct. A code of ethics outlines the principles and standards of behavior expected from addiction counselors, providing a framework to help them navigate complex situations and make ethical decisions. This guidance is crucial in ensuring that counselors adhere to best practices, maintain professional integrity, and foster trust with their clients. By having clear ethical guidelines, counselors can address conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, and the appropriate boundaries of the counselor-client relationship. This not only protects clients but also enhances the credibility of the profession as a whole, as adherence to an ethical code demonstrates a commitment to providing quality care. While unifying team approaches can be an outcome of shared ethical standards, the core purpose of a code of ethics is to establish a foundation for ethical practice. Increasing client intake and ensuring profitability are not fundamental reasons for the existence of a code of ethics; rather, these concerns might be influenced by the ethical conduct of counselors but do not align with the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in the counseling field.