Ethical Boundaries: Dual Relationships

Let’s talk a minute about dual relationships.

Dual relationships pose another dilemma that Recovery Supporters may find themselves in.

A dual relationship happens when a recovery supporter may have had contact with a resident in a social or personal context as well as in a professional role. This can bring up the ethical issue of boundaries.

The line between personal/social and professional roles can become blurred, especially in certain cultural communities.

Dual relationships should be avoided if possible.

A recovery supporter who knows a resident from a past social or sexual encounter should not assume a professional role with that resident.

Some residents may avoid accessing services because they are afraid of seeing someone they know, and the ethical issues regarding disclosure and trust are many.

If there is no other recovery supporter available to the resident, it is imperative to define the professional role and how the information shared will remain confidential.

Reference:  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573037/