The Book of Ethics - by Laura Weiss Roberts (Paperback)

About the Book

The definitive book on ethics for chemical dependency treatment professionals.

Book Synopsis

The definitive book on ethics for chemical dependency treatment professionals.

The treatment 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 non-maleficence--setting the standard for contemporary ethical practices. These challenges are illuminated with real-world case examples that show potential effects on diverse patient populations.

Review Quotes

"I don't know where I've faced more ethical dilemmas--as an institutional review board chairman, an alcohol and drug clinical researcher, or a primary care physician--but I was relieved to find a book that can help us all systematically find the best solutions in areas where there often seem to be no right answers."
--Richard Saitz, MD, Boston Medical Center
"This book delivers on its promise: expert, eminently useable guidance on ethical issues regarding therapeutic relationships; harm reduction; co-occurring disorders; cultural and spiritual considerations; forensics; chronic pain; and issues with women, children, and teens."
--Howard A. Liddle, Ed.D., Director of the Center for Treatment Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse
"A judicious, compassionate consideration of ethical challenges."
--Robert L. DuPont, MD, First Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
"The Book of Ethics will fill the gaps between the wide range of perspectives and practices that divide many who treat addictions."
--David Mee-Lee, MD, Psychiatrist Certified in Addiction Medicine

About the Author

Cynthia M. A. Geppert, MD, PhD, MPH, is chief of consultation psychiatry and ethics at the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, where she specializes in the care of patients with bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, and trauma. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and director of ethics education at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and the associate director of the Religious Studies Program at the University of New Mexico. She is an ordained priest in the Independent Catholic tradition. Dr. Geppert teaches, writes, and conducts research in consultation psychiatry, clinical ethics, spirituality, medical education, addiction, and psychopharmacology.Laura Weiss Roberts, MD, MA, serves as chairman and Charles E. Kubly Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Roberts is a nationally recognized scholar and leader in ethics, psychiatry, medicine, and medical education. She has written extensively on topics including professionalism, clinical and research ethics, informed consent, clinical medicine, rural health care, health disparities, educational scholarship, end-of-life care, and physician and medical student health care.