The nature of addiction as a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual disease requires a high standard of ethical knowledge and professional skill. This groundbreaking, reader-friendly guide to contemporary ethical issues informs and challenges health care professionals, students, and faculty with a thorough and compassionate examination of the dilemmas faced when providing care for individuals suffering from substance use problems or addiction.

Renowned psychiatric ethicists Cynthia Geppert and Laura Weiss Roberts tackle issues of autonomy, respect for persons, confidentiality, truth telling and nonmaleficence—setting the standard for contemporary ethical practices. They then illuminate these challenges with real-world case examples that show potential affects on a diverse group of patients, including women, adolescents, and people with co-occurring disorders or chronic pain.