Relapse Prevention - February 2018

Dawn Farm Addiction and Recovery Education Series

Relapse Prevention was presented on Tuesday February 27, 2018, by Erik Anderson LMSW, CAADC, University of Michigan Counseling and Psychological Services. Substance addiction has been identified as an illness that requires long-term management. Relapse is a process that begins before alcohol/other drug use is resumed and is usually preceded by a pattern of progressive warning signs. Understanding the relapse process helps recovering people develop an effective plan to identify and prevent relapse. This program will discuss the dynamics of relapse, factors that contribute to relapse, signs that may forewarn of relapse, how to develop a relapse prevention plan and creative, effective strategies to handle both every-day and high-risk situations.

This presentation is part of the Dawn Farm Education Series, a free, annual education series developed to provide accurate, helpful, hopeful, practical, current information about chemical dependency, recovery, family and related issues. The Education Series is organized by Dawn Farm, a non-profit community of programs providing a continuum of substance use disorder treatment and recovery support services. For information, please see http://www.dawnfarm.org/programs/education-series.

About the Presenter: Erik Anderson, LMSW, CAADC; Embedded Social Worker, College of Engineering for Counseling and Psychological Services at University of Michigan

Erik earned his Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 2013 with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral interpersonal practice, and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan. Erik worked as an Outpatient Therapist at Dawn Farm from 2013 to 2016. He currently serves as an Embedded Social Worker, College of Engineering for Counseling and Psychological Services at University of Michigan. Erik is also an instructor at Eastern Michigan University School of Social work where he teaches classes on interpersonal social work practice. Erik is a Subject Master Expert for the IC&RC (INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION & RECIPROCITY CONSORTIUM) where he develops test questions for the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification Exam.

Erik’s professional interests include: Trauma Substance Use Relapse Prevention Anxiety Perfectionism/Inner Critic Spirituality/Meaning Positive Psychology/Performance Enhancement Grief and Loss Stress Management

Erik’s approach to therapy is integrative, and utilizes elements of third wave CBT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Dialectical Behavior Therapy), as well as EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and insight oriented talk therapy in hopes of providing a personalized therapeutic experience for each person’s needs and background. Erik enjoys having an active gratitude practice; connecting with a larger community; enjoying time with family, friends and his dog; making time for contemplative practices; being of service to others; and listening to books and music.