The Well offers a supportive space for addiction recovery, hosting a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous group, otherwise known as the Serenity Group, every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m.
This group invites both students and community members to be involved in a 12-step program aimed at overcoming addictive tendencies.
This group began meetings in early September, led by Lacey Peters, co-chair of the mental health counseling department, and is advised by the Santa Barbara Central Office.
“It’s a really positive and supportive environment in which people can just begin to take that first step to nurture recovery that people might have started on their journeys in life,” Peters said.
Modeled after AA meetings, the group aims to rebuild community support post-COVID. The group is currently listed on the UCSB Gauchos for Recovery and other local recovery websites.
Denise Kakuk, a City College student who also facilitates the Serenity Group and is an anchor program peer mentor, expressed that these meetings can extend beyond alcohol, aiding all forms of addiction.
“We also have opened it up to people that just are taking anything that alters you from the neck up,” Kakuk said. “That includes other drugs and sedatives and anything you might be taking.”
Both Peters and Kakuk brought up the importance of the 12-step program in supporting recovery. These steps address the process of healing through the mind, body, and spirit, giving attendees a chance to find peace.
“The first step is admitting that people are powerless over drugs and alcohol,” Peters said. “It’s not that you’re powerless—it’s hard to control it, and a lot of times we’re powerless over a lot of things in our lives that are hard to control.”
Peters emphasizes the steps’ role in supporting and nurturing recovery. This concept aligns with Kakuk’s choice of the name “Serenity Group.” The name was chosen to symbolize the transformative journey of recovery, where individuals not only work toward sobriety but also toward finding emotional and mental calm.
“With sobriety comes serenity,” Kakuk said. “You start to feel more peace, more clarity, and less irritability.”
Becky Bean, student program advisor at The Well, encourages students to join the Serenity Group if in need of support. The Anchor program is additionally available with many resources.
“The AA meetings foster a wonderful sense of belonging and accountability for our SBCC student community, helping students navigate the challenges of college life while promoting recovery, personal growth, and a supportive community,” Bean said.
Kakuk and Peters emphasized that this meeting comes with no dues or fees, and all identities remain completely anonymous. The Serenity Group meets every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at The Well, located on the East Campus, room 21.
“Serenity group,” Kakuk said. “Something to look forward to.”
