Navigating informed consent: ethical challenges in addiction treatment
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Date
2025
Authors
Rasidescu, Michelle M.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
Abstract
This project explores issues related to informed consent processes in the context of addiction
treatment. Substance use disorder presents unique ethical challenges for informed consent. While
the topic of informed consent in psychotherapy has been addressed in academic literature, this
project shows that there is limited information specific to informed consent in addiction settings,
as well as a lack of guidance for same in Canadian codes of ethics. To establish the relevance of
this issue, a fictional ethical dilemma is presented to illustrate how such concerns can arise in
professional practice. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of the history of informed consent,
the essential components of informed consent, and factors that influence the process. The project
then provides a foundational overview of substance use disorder treatment facilities, the types of
professionals who work in addiction treatment contexts, and different ways of conceptualizing
addiction. Finally, the initial ethical dilemma is revisited, along with actionable suggestions for
navigating informed consent in substance use disorder treatment. The aim of this project is to
address gaps in the literature and ethical standards of practice on informed consent in addiction
treatment settings and to provide practical guidance for supporting client autonomy through
ethical, client-centred care.
Description
Keywords
counselling , addiction , substance use disorder , informed consent , ethics