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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 12pm

Athens Area Commencement Center

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Athens, GA
Athens Area Commencement Center

The Commencement Center offers ambulatory detoxification from alcohol/drugs , partial hospitalization GROUP THERAPY
The heart and soul of AACC is group therapy.

The Athens Area Commencement Center has a one-year abstinence rate of 80%, which greatly exceeds the national average. This percentage reflects AACC clients who undergo intensive treatment and attend aftercare for twelve months. Outpatient services providing nine or more hours per week are considered intensive by the American Society of Addictive Medicine. TREATMENT OPTIONS
Alcoholism and drug add

iction are treatable diseases. In order to meet the individual needs of each patient, AACC offers several treatment options. Our staff works with the person, their families, and employers to determine the best treatment plan for each patient. Among the options are:

Outpatient Detoxification
Day Outpatient Treatment
Aftercare/Continuum Care
Partial Hospitalization Treatment
Evening Outpatient Treatment

COMMUNITY ASSEMBLIES
AACC holds Daily informational meetings to make necessary announcements and discuss current treatment issues. The assemblies are designed to encourage sharing among clients and serve as the setting for AACC graduations. LEARNING TIME
In order to achieve a balanced and successful recovery, AACC believes it is important for patients to understand their disease. The facts about alcohol and drug dependency are presented in a direct format in a nonjudgmental atmosphere in wherein counselors explain causes of the addiction. There are two types of group sessions: experiential and reality. Experiential therapy allows participants to exchange personal experiences and learn from each other. Reality therapy encourages participants to examine where they are on the road to recovery. Most participants find group therapy to be the most challenging aspect of treatment, but also the most helpful step to recovery. HEALING FAMILIES
Drug and alcohol addiction can be devastating to the family of an abuser. The family's role in the recovery process is vital. The AACC encourages family members to meet as a group as well as privately with counselors to talk about the effect of addiction on the family, the recovery progress, and the family role in continuing recovery care after leaving the program. DISCUSSION
The backbone of AACC is based on the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. Local AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) volunteers are involved in creating an understanding of how the philosophies of AA can be used as strength and support in the participant's recovery. CONTINUING CARE
Recovery doesn't end with the completion of the program. Overcoming an addiction is a lifelong, ongoing process of healing. AACC teach every participant how to continue the process of healing, even after completion of the program including skills to make the transition from therapy to a healthy lifestyle. The Continuing Care program offers clients support and counseling services for up to two years upon completion of the program.

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!

03/19/2026

What if recovery doesn’t have to look a certain way?

Johnette P shares a path shaped by spirituality, growth, and doing things differently.

Also available on all major podcast platforms.

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, Johnette P shares her journey of healing through spirituality and personal growth. Her experience reflects a path...

03/04/2026

Every recovery story has turning point - this is Jimmy's.

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, Jimmy P shares openly about the struggles he has faced, the moments that changed his path, and the people who helped him begin to rebuild his life.

His story is honest, powerful and a reminder that recovery is possible.

🎤 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Recovery does not end when substances are removed - it continues in the care of our mental and emotional health.In this episode of The Essence of Recovery, J...

02/27/2026

Today we share the loss of our beloved Certified Therapy Dog, Cooper, who passed away on February 26, 2026.

For ten years, Cooper faithfully came to work each day at Athens Area Commencement Center, offering comfort and calm to clients and staff alike. He greeted every person with quiet acceptance - easing anxiety, softening shame, and reminding each individual that they were safe here.

He was more than a therapy dog. He was a steady presence in early recovery and a loyal member of our team.

Cooper's paw prints are forever woven into the story of AACC.

Run free, sweet Cooper. You will always be part of our hearts.

02/23/2026

01/25/2026

In this episode of The Essence of Recovery , Bobbie Ray reflects on the experiences, choices and relationships that shaped her path toward healing. Through honesty and humility, she shares what it means to keep showing up, even when it's hard, and how recovery continues to unfold one day at a time. This episode is a reminder that growth is possible, connection matters, and no one has to walk this road alone.

The Essence of Recovery · Episode

01/12/2026

Please join us in congratulating Kristin Doster for completion of her CARN, (Certified Addiction Registered Nurse) certification! We are proud of her dedication and all the amazing work she does at The Commencement Center! This achievement reflects her deep commitment to thoughtful, compassionate care and to walking alongside people as they begin and sustain recovery.

Address

1175 Mitchell Bridge Road
Athens, GA
30606

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 12pm

Telephone

+17065467355

Website

http://www.thecommencementcenter.com/

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