Ed is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor (LADC). He is a person in recovery from Substance Use Disorder for 39 years. Ed’s approach to his work has been forged by his lived experience and continues to be shaped by his inquisitive nature and grounding in current science and research. Most importantly, in all ways and at all times, his work is refined by compassion.

Ed has practiced psychotherapy with individuals with Substance Use Disorder for over 30 years in a number of clinical settings ranging from in-hospital care to outpatient private practice. He has an Undergraduate and Graduate Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in New York City and is a Columbia University Revson Fellow. He is also credentialed by the Academy of Certified Social Workers.

Retired from clinical practice, Ed is now focused on researching and developing educational programs in the areas of:

  • brain addiction

  • psychoactive drug use and use trends

  • substance use treatment

  • recovery

  • positive messaging to dispel the stigma associated with addiction

  • current developments related to emerging novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF)

For a number of years now Ed has focused primarily upon educating the public regarding the efficacy of Overdose Prevention Centers. He has networked with experts in this field and continues to bring science-based and compassionate leaders to Vermont via the Addiction Recovery Channel.

Addiction Recovery Channel (ARC)

Substance Use Disorder affects approximately 23 million Americans today. Ed Baker has partnered with CCTV Channel 17 Burlington, VT to create the Addiction Recovery Channel (ARC). ARC strives to feature leaders, innovators and people with lived experience in addiction and recovery, in focused interviews, with the intent of providing current and accurate information to the viewing audience. The driving idea is that if people are provided with accurate information regarding this brain disease we call addiction, their response will be overwhelming compassion.