Notice

Dear IBADCC Professionals,

In recent months, we have received multiple ethical complaints regarding inappropriate relationships with clients. These reports raise serious concerns and serve as a critical reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.

We ask all professionals to review the IBADCC Code of Ethics, particularly the following sections related to professional boundaries and relationships with clients:

Section I-11: Multiple/Dual Relationships

Addiction Professionals shall make every effort to avoid multiple relationships with a client. When a dual relationship is unavoidable, the professional shall take extra care to ensure that professional judgment is not impaired and there is no risk of client exploitation. Such relationships include, but are not limited to, members of the provider’s immediate or extended family, business associates, or individuals with close personal relationships with the professional or their family. When extending these boundaries, providers shall take appropriate precautions—such as informed consent, consultation, supervision, and documentation—to ensure sound judgment and prevent harm.

Consultation and supervision must be obtained, and recommendations documented.

Section I-12: Prior Relationships

Addiction Professionals shall recognize the inherent risks and benefits of accepting as a client someone with whom they had a casual, distant, or past relationship. Before engaging in such a counseling relationship, the provider must obtain consultation and supervision and document the recommendations. The burden rests on the provider to ensure that their judgment is not impaired and that exploitation does not occur.

Section I-23: Sexual Relationships

Addiction Professionals shall not engage in any form of sexual or romantic relationship with any current or former client, nor shall they accept as a client anyone with whom they have engaged in a romantic, sexual, social, or familial relationship. This prohibition applies to both in-person and electronic interactions or relationships. Addiction Professionals are also prohibited from counseling friends or family members.

Maintaining clear professional boundaries is essential to client safety, ethical practice, and public trust in our profession. We urge all practitioners to review these sections carefully, seek supervision when boundary issues arise, and prioritize the welfare of those we serve.

Thank you for your continued commitment to ethical and professional practice.

Sincerely,

IBADCC