The Relevance of the Substance Addiction Issue in Probation Services
Drug addiction and substance abuse are significant issues in the United States. One should know that “20.4 million American adults suffered from a substance use disorder (SUD)” in 2019 (Chelikam et al., 2022, p. e27016). A problematic fact is that only 10.3 percent of individuals received appropriate treatment with past-year SUD (Chelikam et al., 2022). It showcases the need for better access to rehabilitation and treatment. In addition, it is reported that “over 70% of the nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 involved an opioid” (Vilkins & As-Sanie, 2021, p. 1283). The role of a probation officer requires making decisions amid ethical dilemmas where professional and moral responsibilities intersect.
Effects of the Social Issue on Professional Responsibilities
My client’s satisfaction is owed in part to my commitment to ethics. Professionally, I aim for equitable resolutions in all probation cases, guided by my personal moral principles. If a person suffering from SUD needs treatment, I will suggest it due to my professional and ethical obligations and aligning my values with procedural transparency. This approach enables me to benefit this individual in two ways: first, by supporting their physical/mental well-being through a rehabilitation effort designed to minimize any relapse risk (Banks, 2019).
Respecting the autonomy of each subject, without bias that compromises societal norms, remains key to ensuring that every client succeeds. Upholding these standards means treating probationers with empathy while continuously supporting their progress, which involves encouraging the efforts made so far and recognizing the struggles faced (Banks, 2019). It is also essential to operate within legal constraints to make informed decisions supported by factual data. As a probation officer, I strive to uphold my personal and professional ethics, seeking justice for all clients and adhering strictly to the rules and guidelines that are integral to achieving maximum results.
References
Banks, C. L. (2019). Criminal justice in action (5th ed.). Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.
Chelikam, N., Vyas, V., Dondapati, L., Iskander, B., Patel, G., Jain, S., Singla, T., … Sharma, A. (2022). Epidemiology, burden, and association of substance abuse amongst patients with cardiovascular disorders: National cross-sectional survey study. Cureus, 14(2), e27016.
Vilkins, A. L., & As-Sanie, S. (2021). Opioid prescribing in gynecologic surgery – More work to be done. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 28(7), 1283-1284.