Spring 2026 Newsletter

Happy Spring Everyone,

Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of energy and momentum. This season always reminds us that growth can happen in surprising ways—and you all help make that possible every day. The work you do opens doors, builds stability, and supports the positive change our clients are striving for. That matters, and it doesn't go unnoticed.

In this edition of our Newsletter, you will find important reminders and updates aimed at supporting you and the challenging yet rewarding work you do so please take a moment and read through our Spring edition.

Thank you for showing up with professionalism, compassion, and perseverance. Here's to a season filled with progress, renewed purpose, and wins—big and small.

Kind Regards, Your IBADCC Board

Boundaries and Ethics

It is important to recognize the crucial role that ethics and healthy boundaries play in our daily work. These aren't just policies on paper, they're the foundation that protects our clients, strengthens our professional relationships, and keeps our practice grounded and clear.

Please take a moment to refamiliarize yourselves with the standards regarding Multiple/Dual and Sexual Relationships as it pertains to our role as Addiction Professionals.

Multiple Relationships

Multiple Relationships occur when professionals assume two or more roles at the same time or sequentially with a client. The Code of Ethics cautions professionals against involvement with clients that might impair their judgement and objectivity, affect their ability to render effective services, or result in harm or exploitation of clients (Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professionals, 10th edition).

Most often, professionals do not have a boundary violation, which is a breach of the Code of Ethics, without a boundary crossing. A boundary crossing is a departure from commonly accepted practices that could potentially benefit a client (i.e. bartering, some counselor self-disclosure). A boundary violation is a serious breach that results in harm to the client and is therefore unprofessional. Professionals get in trouble when their boundaries are poorly defined and when they blend roles that do not mix professionally (professional/social).

It's important that professionals be honest and self-searching in determining their behavior with clients. IBADCC Code of Ethics Section 1-11 "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 judgement is not impaired and there is no risk of client exploitation. Such relationships shall include, but are not limited to, members of the provider's immediate or extended family, business associates of the professional or individuals who have a close personal relationship with the professional or the professional's family. When extending these boundaries, providers shall take appropriate professional precautions such as informed consent, consultation, supervision, and documentation to ensure that their judgement is not impaired and no harm occurs. Consultation and supervision shall be obtained, and the recommendations shall be documented.

Code of Ethics Section 1-23 "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, or social or familial relationship. This prohibition shall include in-person and electronic interactions and/or relationships. Addiction Professionals shall be prohibited from engaging in counseling relationships with friends or family members.

Please keep in mind that not knowing your code of ethics is not a defense for violating them. Also, initial consent of the client will not be a defense against malpractice actions. When applying for your certification you sign an attestation saying you will honor your code of ethics. Please be familiar with them.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Please make sure you update any changes to your email or physical address with us. It is costing us money to resend certificates out. If this continues, we may need to start charging a fee.

Recertification Reminder

As always, a friendly reminder to check your recertification dates. There are many options for in-person and online training. Please check out the list of approved CE providers under the Resources tab on our website.

IIBHN Conference/Continuing Education Opportunity

Join your integrated behavioral health colleagues at the ONCE A YEAR event where integrated care professionals go to connect and collaborate.

This annual event takes place on the 13th and 14th with IBH Experts presenting topics on Suicide Prevention, Ethics, Peer Ethics, Parental ACEs, and MORE… Get your tickets now for the event where professionals in integrated care can advance their clinical education through peer-to-peer support. The IIBHN Conference focuses on effective networking, gaining valuable insights, and maximizing professional development for each and every participant. Due to generous sponsorships, the conference is offering FREE sponsored attendance for day one of the conference for all Peer Recovery Coaches, Peer Support Specialists, and First Responders. See flyer attached to email for registration. Find out more at: IIBHN Conference – Cornerstone Whole Healthcare Organization

Would You Like to Help?

We are still looking to fill board positions in Region 1 and 6. If you are interested in helping support the certified professionals in your area while providing valuable feedback on ways we can continue to grow and prosper, please reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you!!

How to Contact IBADCC

If you have questions on the recommendations or resources included in this email, or if you have specific questions not addressed here, please feel free to contact us! The best way to contact the administrative office of IBADCC is to send an email to ibadcc@ibadcc.org. Our inbox is checked daily. You can also give us a call at 208-444-8282.