Following an investigation into the actions of Michael Hagedorn, an Evansville addiction counselor, the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, backed by Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office, voted to permanently revoke Hagedorn’s professional counseling license. This decision, as reported in a recent release, was prompted by Hagedorn’s misuse of his position to illegally provide drugs to his patients.
Overview
Addiction counseling plays a vital role in helping individuals manage and overcome substance use disorders, and certified addiction counselors are licensed to provide structured support through therapy, behavioral intervention, and crisis management.
Counseling professionals are expected to uphold ethical standards and avoid conflicts of interest, as the role holds significant influence over vulnerable individuals. When professionals abuse this trust for personal gain, as seen in the case of Hagedorn, the outcomes can harm both patients and public health.
What is the Disease? Symptoms, Prevalence, and Growth
Substance use disorders (SUD) are defined by the DSM-5 as conditions in which the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet responsibilities. These disorders often require a multifaceted treatment approach, incorporating pharmacology, counseling, and behavioral therapies to address both the psychological and physiological dependencies.
Substance abuse remains a growing issue in the U.S., affecting over 20 million people, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Methamphetamine misuse, the substance Hagedorn dealt, is especially concerning, as meth addiction is associated with severe health risks including cardiovascular problems, neurotoxicity, and increased risk of infectious diseases.
Hagedorn’s case exemplifies a deviation from professional standards. According to reports, Hagedorn leveraged his position as an addiction counselor and director of an addiction treatment center, allegedly selling narcotics, including methamphetamine, to his clients. The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force began investigating him following tips about these activities, uncovering that Hagedorn’s illegal dealings directly exploited the patients who were seeking his assistance.
Possible Solutions and Treatment Approaches
Addressing substance use disorder requires a comprehensive approach that balances medical treatment, therapeutic intervention, and support systems. Among these, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one evidence-based option endorsed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat SUDs safely and effectively, helping reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
MAT can be effective for various addictions, including opioids and alcohol, although it is less commonly applied to stimulant addictions like meth. Alternative approaches for meth addiction, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have shown efficacy in helping patients develop healthier coping mechanisms and identify triggers that may lead to relapse. Incorporating both pharmacological and behavioral approaches allows treatment centers to adapt to the unique needs of patients.
Sunrise Emphasis on Ethical and Comprehensive Care
In light of incidents like Hagedorn’s, centers such as Sunrise Recovery take additional measures to ensure that patients receive ethical, comprehensive care from licensed professionals. Sunrise Recovery emphasizes a patient-centered approach, reinforcing the importance of medical supervision and standardized protocols.
Our drug and alcohol rehab centers in Indiana offers services such as Outpatient Programs and Medical Detox—specifically designed to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction while minimizing risk. Sunrise adheres strictly to regulatory standards, conducting regular audits to ensure practitioners maintain ethical boundaries and provide the highest standard of care.
Why Choose Sunrise Recovery?
Sunrise Recovery stands out due to its multidisciplinary team, who are not only certified but regularly trained in the latest treatment methodologies. Emphasizing transparency and integrity, Sunrise fosters a supportive environment free from conflicts of interest, prioritizing the well-being of each patient. The center’s programs are based on evidence and adapted to individual needs, ensuring that treatment remains effective and ethical.
Recap and Next Steps
The revocation of Hagedorn’s license underscores the importance of ethical practices in addiction counseling. Substance use disorders require compassion, adherence to best practices, and continual professional accountability. Incidents of professional misconduct highlight the critical need for centers that uphold strict ethical standards, like Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana, where patient health and safety are paramount.
