Support for Parents
Sending a child to college is an exciting and emotional time, and for parents whose children have struggled with substance use disorders, it can also be a scary time. It's hard enough on any parent's heart to send a child away from home for the first time, and sending a child in recovery away from home comes with the additional risk of sending them into an environment that is not usually conducive to recovery.
Collegiate recovery programs can provide a home away from home for students in recovery, and help them navigate the university environment. At UCSB, we have a variety of supports in place to help our recovering students make the most of their experience while prioritizing their recovery. We hope that offering these supports can help parents of Gauchos in recovery to sleep a little easier at night knowing that their chid is supported by the University and their peers.
Our GFR staff is here to support parents, too! If your child is thinking about coming to college/returning after a leave, we can help you navigate the process and determine what level of support is right for them, even if it's not at UCSB. If your child attends UCSB and needs support, we can help get them connected.
Angie Bryan
Recovery Program Manager is available to consult, support, and provide access to resources for you and your loved one.
She can be reached at (805) 893-7353 or angie.bryan@sa.ucsb.edu
"I am proud and grateful that my daughter was given the support and community necessary to take such a proactive approach to her lifestyle at such a vital age."
-Bebhinn McElroy-Hawley
"As the mother of a son who has struggled with substance use, I was very concerned about his ability to successfully maintain sobriety on a college campus. You can imagine my relief upon discovering that UCSB offers a resource for kids like my son, Gauchos For Recovery. Not only was my son welcomed into this community, he was able to thrive, make friends and form a support system that allowed him to strengthen his own sobriety while helping others maintain theirs. I am so proud of my son's involvement and would encourage anyone in a similar situation to seek out the program. I am so grateful for Gauchos For Recovery and those who support it!"
-GFR Parent
Additional Resources
Alanon
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. (From al-anon.org)
Alanon meetings are available almost everywhere in the country, as well as online.
Alanon in Isla Vista
Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Embarcadero Hall 1105
For information, contact Sloane: 805-452-0523
More Alanon meetings are available in Alanon Santa Barbara Info.