What are ethical standards designed to ensure in the context of treatment?

Ethical standards are crucial in the context of treatment as they set forth guidelines that ensure professionals conduct themselves appropriately and maintain a high level of integrity in their interactions with clients. These standards are designed to protect the clients' welfare and promote trust in the therapeutic relationship. By adhering to these guidelines, counselors can provide a safe and effective treatment environment, promoting the best outcomes for clients in alcohol and drug counseling.

The focus of these ethical standards is not on profit maximization or marketing practices, which are more concerned with business operations than client welfare. Additionally, while flexibility in treatment plans may be important for addressing individual client needs, it is the ethical standards that fundamentally ensure that treatment practices meet professional conduct expectations, safeguarding both the clients and the integrity of the counseling profession.