Resources

Competencies for Canada’s Substance Abuse Workforce [PDF's]
Addresses both technical and behavioural competencies, including ethics and professionalism, and identifies behaviour indicators at four levels of proficiency for each competency
Published: 2010
Source: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
Website: www.ccsa.ca and www.cnsaap.ca
Language: English and French

The Book of Ethics - Expert Guidance For Professionals Who Treat Addiction
A book authored by ethicists Cynthia Geppert and Laura Weiss Roberts. Examines dilemmas, addressing issues such as autonomy, respect for persons, confidentiality, truth telling and non-maleficence, and incorporates real-world case examples. NAADAC-approved for CE hours and includes CE test. Can be purchased with or without CE test.
Published: 2008
Source: Hazelden
Website: www.hazelden.org/
Language: English only
Cost: Online: $67.45 with CE test, $31.45 without CE test

Legal and Ethical Issues for Addiction Professionals
Discusses, in a very concise manner, complexities of client confidentiality, informed consent, and the counsellor’s role in commonly-encountered situations. Part of Hazelden Essentials for Professionals.
Published: 2008
Source: Hazelden
Website: www.hazelden.org/
Language: English only
Cost: Online: $5.95

Code of Ethics and Conduct for AADAC Employees [PDF]
States the policy statement, provides context for the policy statement, and lists principles for action that every employee is expected to follow. Also identifies consequences of non-compliance.
Published: 2006
Source: Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Website: www.aadac.com/
Language: English only

Cadre de référence et guide de bonnes pratiques pour orienter le traitement de la dépendance aux opioïdes avec une médication de substitution [PDF]
The frame of reference is based on existing evidence on opioid dependency, treatment with substitution medication and ethical issues around clinical intervention. The best-practice guide follows the frame of reference and offers recommendations on service organization, specific practices, specific client groups, staff training, evaluation and research.
Published: 2006
Source: Quebec Department of Health and Social Services
Website: www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.php
Language: French only

Code d'éthique sur les droits des usagers et les pratiques et conduites attendues des employés [PDF]
This code of ethics describes users’ rights and the conduct expected from the Centre Jean-Patrice Chiasson/Maison Saint-Georges employees. It describes in detail what is expected from employees in terms of the quality of services delivered, respect for users, absence of conflict of interest, confidentiality and interpersonal relations between the team and partners. Information is also given on the dissemination and implementation of this code of ethics.
Published: 2006
Source: Centre Jean-Patrice Chiasson/Maison Saint-Georges
Website: www.santeestrie.qc.ca/crdsm
Language: French only

Code d’éthique 2006–2007 du Centre Dollard-Cormier [PDF]
This code of ethics presents the key conduct guidelines that the administrators of this public centre must follow. The code sets out the commitments, duties and roles of administrators and suggests ways to enforce compliance. Appendices provide examples of oaths and assertions and information on conflict of interest disclosure, and sets out the operational rules of the ethics committee.
Published: 2006
Source: Centre Dollard-Cormier
Website: www.centredollardcormier.qc.ca
Language: French only

Code of Ethics [PDF]
States the purpose of the code of ethics and identifies core social work values and principles. Also provides a glossary and references.
Published: 2005
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers
Website: www.casw-acts.ca/
Language: English and French

Guidelines for Ethical Practice [PDF]
Provides in-depth descriptions of ethical obligations to clients, colleagues, society, and the profession as well as in the workplace, private practice, research, and professional relationships. Cross-references these ethical obligations with core values and principles.
Published: 2005
Source: Canadian Association of Social Workers
Website: www.casw-acts.ca/
Language: English and French

Cadre normatif. Certification des organismes privés ou communautaires intervenant en toxicomanie et offrant de l'hébergement [PDF]
A code of ethics required to get certified is described in this standards framework on pages 15 to 18. Also described are the development and implementation of a charter of the residents' rights and responsibilities, a code of ethics, a procedure to assess services and a procedure to process complaints.
Published: 2005
Source: Quebec Department of Health and Social Services
Website: http://www.dependances.gouv.qc.ca/index.php?home&PHPSESSID=48652a833859927746375239cd9b3f92
Language: French only

NAADAC Code of Ethics
Sets out principles on non-discrimination, client welfare, client relationship, trustworthiness, compliance with law, rights and duties, dual relationships, preventing harm, and duty of care.
Published: 2004
Source: Association for Addiction Professionals
Website: naadac.org/
Language: English only 

Professional Code of Ethics [PDF]
Describes an ethical decision-making process, uses of the code, and responsibility of individual Christian counsellors. Provides in-depth descriptions of four principles and associated values, along with lists of ethical standards.
Published: 2001
Source: Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors
Website: www.paccc.ca/
Language: English only

Public Policy Statement on Principles of Medical Ethics
Describes standards of conduct appropriate for physicians. Covers areas such as respect for human dignity, honest dealings with patients, patient rights, continuance of study and advancement of scientific knowledge, and referrals.
Published: 1992
Source: American Society of Addiction Medicine
Website: www.ama-assn.org/
Language: English only

Ethics and Confidentiality
This Portage Web page summarizes four items related to ethics and confidentiality: commitment of the board of directors, rights of users, conduct of all staff members, and the organization’s conduct toward its personnel.
Published: Unknown
Source: Portage
Website: www.portage.ca
Language: English and French

Canon of Ethical Principles [PDF]
These ethical principles from the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation list 12 items to ensure a respectful intervention.
Published: Unknown
Source: Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation
Website: www.caccf.ca
Language: English and French

Code de déontologie [PDF]
The elements provided in this document can guide the development of a code of ethics for addictions organizations.
Published: 1990
Source: Association des intervenants en toxicomanie du Québec
Website: www.aitq.com
Language: French only