Imagine you are a substance abuse counselor who is in recovery for alcohol use disorder. You have been sober for 14 years. You have been seeing your client, Marcus, for over a year. Marcus has a history of alcohol use disorder and Xanax abuse but has been clean and sober for 11 months. Marcus sponsor is moving out of state, so Marcus is looking for a new sponsor. At your weekly session, Marcus explains to you that his sponsor is moving out of state. Marcus tells you that he has great respect for you and couldnt imagine asking anyone else to be his sponsor.
Directions Case Study Write-Up
Considering what you’ve read, analyze this situation in terms of counselor responsibilities and boundaries. Discuss whether or not you will agree to be Marcus sponsor.
Follow the Steps in Ethical Decision Making model (available in Module 1 folder on Brightspace) to explain how you, the counselor, would handle this case. You must LIST each of the eight steps and explain exactly what you would do for that step for the current case. (For example, for step 4, dont just say, Id consult with my supervisor. Explain what that consultation would look like. What would be your goal for the consultation? What would you ask your supervisor?) Be sure to cite the readings (articles, codes, etc.) where appropriate.
Bonus (earn up to five extra credit points): Suppose Marcus tells you that his other option for a sponsor is a man, James, with whom he has had a sexual relationship within the past when he and James were both actively drinking and drugging. How does this change your response (if at all)? Explain.
