3.1 The NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics (2025)

The NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics (Effective June 1, 2025)

Professional ethics are the foundation of addiction counseling practice. The NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics—issued jointly by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)—sets mandatory standards for certified addiction counselors, supervisors, educators, and peer recovery specialists. For NCAC I candidates, exam items frequently test whether you can apply these standards in realistic clinical scenarios, not merely recite definitions.

Critical update: The 2025 Code became effective June 1, 2025, and it replaces the 2021 Code. The current document is organized as Principles I through XI—eleven numbered principles, not nine. Outdated study materials that list only nine principles reflect the superseded 2021 structure. Memorize the 2025 principle titles and numbers.

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Moral Philosophy vs. Numbered Principles

Before studying the eleven Principles, distinguish underlying moral values from the numbered Principles in the Code.

Exam trap: A question may ask which moral value supports informed consent (autonomy) while a different question asks which numbered NAADAC Principle governs confidentiality (Principle II). These are separate classification systems.

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Principles I–IX: Core NCAC I Content

Principle I: The Counseling Relationship

• Informed consent is an ongoing process covering treatment goals, methods, risks, benefits, fees, and confidentiality limits—not a one-time signature.
• Counselors must respect client autonomy and avoid imposing personal values on treatment decisions.
• Dual and multiple relationships that impair judgment or risk exploitation are prohibited.
• Non-discrimination requires equitable service regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, or criminal history.

Principle II: Confidentiality and Privileged Communication

• Counselors must explain limits of confidentiality at intake, including mandated abuse reporting, duty-to-protect situations, and valid court orders.
• Privileged communication protections vary by state; counselors must know applicable statutes and federal rules (including 42 CFR Part 2 for SUD records).
• Client records require secure storage, authorized access only, and release procedures that follow written consent or legal mandate.
• Exam scenario: An employer casually requests information. Disclosure without proper authorization violates Principle II—even with good intentions.

Principle III: Professional Responsibilities and Workplace Standards

• Credential accuracy is mandatory—do not misrepresent education, licensure, certifications, or scope of practice.
• Impairment monitoring requires counselors to recognize when personal problems compromise objectivity and to seek help or limit practice.
• Workplace standards include collegial respect, accurate documentation, and adherence to agency policies and applicable laws.
• Exam scenario: A colleague arrives impaired during group. Client safety takes priority; ignoring impairment violates Principle III.

Principle IV: Working in a Culturally Diverse World

• Practice cultural humility by examining personal biases and adapting interventions to the client's cultural context.
• Language access, disability accommodations, and awareness of health disparities are ethical obligations.
• Advocate for equitable access to prevention and treatment services.
• Exam trap: "Treating everyone the same" is not cultural competence; equitable care may require culturally responsive differentiation.

Principle V: Assessment, Evaluation, and Interpretation

• Use validated instruments only within your training and competence.
• Explain assessment results and testing limitations in understandable language.
• Consider cultural and linguistic factors affecting validity before drawing conclusions.
• Recommending a diagnosis or level of care based on an instrument you are not qualified to interpret violates Principle V.

Principle VI: Use of E-Therapy, E-Supervision, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Social Media

• Telehealth: Verify the client's physical location at the start of each session and establish emergency contacts in that jurisdiction.
• Use technology that meets applicable privacy and security standards (HIPAA-compliant platforms where required).
• Maintain separate professional and personal social media; do not accept current clients as personal contacts.
• AI: Understand tool limitations, obtain informed consent when AI is used clinically, and never delegate clinical judgment entirely to automated systems. AI-generated content requires human review.

Principle VII: Supervision, Consultation, and Education

• Supervisors must hold appropriate credentials for the supervisory role.
• Supervisory relationships prohibit exploitation (romantic, sexual, or financial entanglements).
• Supervisees disclose clinical challenges honestly; supervisors provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Educators present accurate, current information and disclose conflicts of interest.

Principle VIII: Addressing Ethical Concerns

• Attempt informal resolution first when a colleague's conduct appears questionable—if client safety is not compromised.
• Formal reporting to licensing boards, NCC AP, or institutional authorities is required when informal resolution fails or serious violations occur (sexual misconduct, fraud, ongoing impairment).
• Cooperate fully with ethics investigations.
• Exam trap: Collegial loyalty never outweighs the duty to protect clients from harm.

Principle IX: Research and Publication

• Obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and informed consent before research involving clients or identifiable data.
• Protect participant confidentiality and allow voluntary withdrawal without penalty.
• Attribute authorship accurately; plagiarism and data fabrication are ethical violations.

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Principles X and XI: Know They Exist

Principle X: National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) and Principle XI: Ethics Pertaining to Member Organizations are part of the 2025 Code. NCAC I items focus less on these sections, but you should recognize their titles. Principle X addresses peer recovery specialists' distinct scope and boundaries; Principle XI governs organizational ethics for NAADAC member agencies.

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Ethical Decision-Making Process

When moral values conflict—for example, autonomy versus non-maleficence in a suicide-risk scenario—use a structured process:

1. Identify the dilemma: Name the conflict, stakeholders, and relevant facts.
2. Consult the Code: Review applicable Principles and governing laws (state regulations, 42 CFR Part 2, mandated reporting).
3. Consult a supervisor: Seek clinical supervision or ethics consultation before high-stakes actions.
4. Choose and document: Select the action that best protects client welfare and record your rationale.
5. Evaluate: Review the outcome and adjust practice as needed.

Documentation is not optional. Ethical decision-making without a written record leaves you unable to demonstrate that you acted reasonably if the decision is later questioned.