Athens Area Commencement Center

10/08/2026

09/25/2026

Thank you to Dr. Merrill Norton and Representative Townsend for allowing us to speak today on Kratom detox and withdrawal.

09/17/2026

THIS SATURDAY in Athens, GA. Our own Shauna Harris will be speaking at 3:30!

09/08/2026

September is National Recovery Month.

But recovery doesn’t belong to a month.

It happens on random Tuesdays.
In waiting rooms.
In folding chairs and parking lots.
In treatment centers and church basements.
In kitchens at 6 a.m. when someone decides to try again.
In the phone call that gets answered.
In the meeting you almost didn’t go to.
In the first honest conversation.
In one more day.

Recovery is messy and ordinary and extraordinary all at once.

This month, we celebrate the people doing the work. We remember the people we’ve lost. We thank the families, friends, professionals, peers, sponsors, and communities who keep showing up.

And most of all, we want anyone who is still struggling to know this:

People recover.
Every single day.
And there is still a place for you here.

💚 National Recovery Month

08/25/2026

The staff of Athens Area Commencement Center is deeply saddened by the loss of Jason. He was our colleague, our leader, our friend, and an important part of the life of AACC. His loss is felt deeply by all of us, and our hearts are with his sons, his parents, his family, and everyone who loved him.

Jason believed deeply in the work of the Commencement Center and in the possibility of recovery. He cared about the people who came through our doors and about making sure that those struggling with substance use disorders had somewhere to turn for help.

We are grateful to know that Jason wanted the work of AACC to continue. With the love and support of his family, Athens Area Commencement Center will remain open and continue serving our community. We will keep doing the work that has been done here for nearly five decades—helping people and families affected by addiction find treatment, hope, and a path toward recovery.

We will miss Jason tremendously, and we are honored to carry this work forward.

View Jason Warren Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Why do people keep using substances even when the consequences become severe? Why isn't willpower enough?

In our newest episode of The Essence of Recovery, Dr. Merrill Norton helps us understand the science behind addiction, recovery, and the remarkable ways the brain can change over time.

This is one of our most educational episodes yet, and it's full of insights for people in recovery, family members, and anyone wanting to better understand substance use disorders.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, Shauna Harris and Brendan Leahy sit down with Dr. Merrill Norton, Professor Emeritus at the University of Georgia...

04/30/2026

Hey Athens community ❤️

Many of you know and love Randy P.—a true pillar in our recovery community and someone who has shown up for so many of us over the years.

Right now, it’s our turn to show up for him.

A Meal Train has been set up to help support Randy during this time. If you’re able to contribute a meal of financial assistance, it would mean so much—not just to him, but to all of us who care deeply about him.

Even if you can’t participate in a meal or donation, feel free to share this post so we can reach as many people as possible.

Let’s surround Randy with the same love and support he’s given so freely to others ❤️

This is a meal train in support of Randy P. “Please tell everyone that we said thank you so much & we are so grateful 🫶🏼” -Sadie M.

04/13/2026

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, we sit down with Dennis T, whose story speaks to the deep connection between mental health and alcoholism—and the daily work it takes to live with both.

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, we sit down with Dennis T, whose story speaks to the deep connection between mental health and alcoholism—and the...

03/27/2026

Run for Recovery! Help support local Recovery Clubhouse, 24th Street - a place where miracles happen!