What are the opening hours?

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 hospitalizatio 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 addiction 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.

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.

12/22/2025

The Commencement Center is now hosting a Podcast, The Essence of Recovery, where every conversation is an invitation to pause, listen and remember that growth is possible - one day at a time. Thanks for walking with us.

Business Podcast · The Essence of Recovery is a podcast featuring honest conversations with people who have found long-term recovery, growth, and purpose. Hosted by Brendan Leahy and Shauna Harris, each episode explores…

11/15/2025

thecommencementcenter.com

11/07/2025

Patrick is often the first face you see when you enter the Commencement Center. His warm and kind heart make him perfect to be in that role. He manages the business side of things as well as participates with the daily tasks of serving Clients. With his long-term sobriety and previous business ownership experience, he brings invaluable acumen to our team. He believes that "anyone can have the gift of recovery".

10/24/2025

Meet Tia Burkhalter, CAC, Lead Counselor, Case Manager. Congratulations on her recent CAC Certification! Tia has a way of making people feel at ease, she is easy to talk to and meets people where they are. She can anticipate the needs of others and help find a way to meet them; especially those in recovery as she herself has been sober since 2018. Tia has been working in the recovery field since 2020. She takes an enthusiastic, supportive approach and loves teaching about relapse prevention. “My goal is to help individuals become the person they were designed to be while maintaining sobriety."

10/23/2025

thecommencementcenter.com
Let us help you or a loved one get started in sobriety.

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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