Kameron is a substance abuse counselor who is in recovery from alcohol use. He has been sober for 14 years and regularly attends AA meetings. He has been seeing his client, Marcus, for over a year. Marcus has a history of alcoholism and Xanax abuse but has been sober for 11 months. He came to treatment in Kamerons clinic after being arrested for a 3rd DWI charge last year.
Marcus has been attending AA meetings as part of his treatment plan. Marcus sponsor is moving out of state, so Marcus is looking for a new sponsor. At their weekly session, Marcus explains to Kameron that his sponsor, Joseph, has relapsed and is no longer able to be his sponsor. Marcus tells Kameron that he has great respect for him and couldnt imagine asking anyone else to be his sponsor.
Briefly respond to each of the following:
What ethical issues might Kameron experience if Marcus started attending Kamerons own home group? How might Kameron work to resolve those ethical issues?
Is it legal and ethical for Kameron to act as Marcus sponsor? Why or why not?
As a treatment provider, is it legal and ethical for Kameron to require Marcus to attend AA meetings? Why or why not?
Is it legal and ethical for a judge to mandate Marcus to attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days? What ethical principles influence your position on this scenario?
Kameron realizes that Joseph, Marcus original sponsor, is also a counselor. Marcus shares that Joseph is frequently under the influence during the day at work. Does Kameron have any legal or ethical obligation to act on this information? Why or why not?
