Using Marijuana and Selling Drugs to Make Ends Meet - Ethical Dilemma - Case Study Example

Ethical Dilemma: The Case of SherryIntroductionWorking in the field of psychology as a social worker, one comes across a wide variety of circumstances and difficulties. Some of these problems involve ethical dilemmas, which puts the social worker in a bind as he or she is caught up in deciding whether to report it to the authorities or find a way out for the victims or persons involved. The case of Sherry presents one such ethical dilemma.Identifying the Ethical Dilemma The ethical dilemma here is very clearly that of using marijuana and selling drugs to make ends meet.

It is understandable that Sherry finds herself in a very difficult situation. Due to her young age and lack of guidance, she uses marijuana to ease her troubles and give her relaxation and peace of mind. Meanwhile the use of marijuana is harmful if she is feeding the baby breast milk. The fact that Sherry is doing it only when her husband is at work signifies that she knows it is wrong and that her husband would never approve. On the other hand she has a group of friends who are helping her take care of her baby.

Also her selling drugs is another punishable offence and she stands to lose a lot if she is caught by law enforcement. Of course as a social worker, my personal values and biases do influence my ethical decisions. It is a common occurrence and even legal judgments can be affected by the personal values and opinions of the jury or even the judge in a particular case (Kitchener, 1984). Regarding the choice of an appropriate ethical decision-making model, it is best to (1) Identify the problem (2) Apply the code of ethics (3) Determine the nature and dimensions of the dilemma (4) Generate potential courses of action (5) Consider the consequences of all courses of action before choosing one (6) Choose a course of action and evaluate it and (7) Implement the course of action (Miller & Davis, 1992).

Synopsis of State Laws In Texas, a person can be found guilty of DUI if he or she is intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. They can refuse to be tested but this fact will be mentioned on their charge sheet. The officer can insist on their submitting to a blood test once a warrant is shown at the police station. They cannot be absolved from justice if they are found guilty of criminal or undesirable acts committed while driving under the influence or using a controlled substance, even for medicinal purposes.

A first time offence in Texas could attract a fine of up to $2,000, coupled with the possibility of being jailed from 72 hours up to 180 days. Community service for 24 hours up to 100 hours may also be recommended, and there could be a suspension of driving license for up to a year. A surcharge of $1,000 or $2,000 per year for three years could also be levied depending on the severity of the situation (www.usmarijuanalaws.com).For a second offence, a fine of up to $4,000 will be levied. This also includes jail sentencing from 72 hours to up to 365 days.

Community service may be recommended from 80 hours to up to 200 hours. A second offence also results in a license suspension from 180 days to up to two years; there is also a surcharge of between $1,500 and $2,000 per year for three years.For third and all subsequent offences, a fine of up to $10,000 will be levied, along with jail for two to ten years, community service from 160 hours up to 600 hours, and license suspension for 180 days to two years, with a surcharge of $1,500 or $2,000 per year for three years.

Regarding the possession and sale of drugs, in Texas no one is allowed to do so without a licence and so Sherry is also in violation of the Law on this count. Anyone and everyone can be charged of the offence if the police raided and found Sherry in possession of these drugs. Possession with intent to sell or distribute is a felony and a crime punishable by Law. Resolving the Ethical Dilemma The best way to resolve the ethical dilemma for Sherry is to alert the authorities about her selling drugs.

This is an offence that can get her arrested and lead to her child being separated from her and given to the custody of the State. Her husband would also have to be informed (Haas & Malouf, 1989) as he is next of kin in the event of her arrest. Marijuana is also a personal problem for her and it would be better for her to go to a psychologist and get professional counseling rather than use this drug which is harmful for herself and the baby. ReferencesAmerican Counseling Association (2005). Code of Ethics.

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Counseling Psychologist, 12(3), 43-55.Rosenbaum, M. (1982). Ethical problems of Group Psychotherapy. In M. Rosenbaum (Ed.), Ethics and values in psychotherapy: A guidebook (237-257). New York: Free Press.Sileo, F. & Kopala, M. (1993). An A-B-C-D-E worksheet for promoting beneficence when considering ethical issues. Counseling and Values, 37, 89-95.Stadler, H. A. (1986). Making hard choices: Clarifying controversial ethical issues. Counseling & Human Development, 19, 1-10.The US Marijuana Laws website.

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