ABOUT ATHENS AREA COMMENCEMENT CENTER
Founded in 1978 and located in Athens, Ga., Athens Area Commencement Center (AACC) is a family-owned rehabilitation center. It is one of the 55 (17.5 percent) of Georgia treatment facilities that provides detox, and it also offers intensive outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol and prescription drug addiction. Treatment is based on 12-step concepts and presented as an alternative to longterm residential treatment. The facility has a working relationship with the University of Georgia’s Medical College and School of Social Work.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to AACC’s website, treatment staff addresses addiction as a disease and does not practice a harm-reduction approach. In fact, many clients work with AACC to detox from medication-assisted therapies such as methadone.
Treatment prioritizes group therapy and is offered during day or evening schedules. The most intensive program meets for more than 30 hours per week and the next level involves 12 hours a week. A specialized program for professionals runs for six weeks, and when combined with a commitment to up to two years of aftercare counseling, results in AACC advocacy for the client’s licensure.
The central counseling practices are motivational and cognitive behavioral therapies. Volunteers involved in Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous also share with clients and transportation to local 12-step meetings is provided. Educational sessions address such topics as nutrition and spirituality. Clients also have opportunities to interact with an on-site therapy dog.
Individual and family counseling can be arranged.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Athens Area Commencement Center’s website notes the treatment team includes a physician certified in treating co-occurring disorders, and a doctorate-level pharmacist. A majority of therapists hold master’s degrees and are certified addiction counselors. One staff nurse is also a registered yoga teacher. Some staff members are in recovery.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The one former client polled by Best-rehabs.com gave an unfavorable review. They rated the effectiveness of treatment just one star out of five, but offered no clear information regarding specific concerns. The alum also gave one stars for accommodations and amenities and meals and nutrition.
To date, the 17 people to leave Google Reviews for The Athens Area Commencement Center gave an average of 4.3 out of five stars. Three people gave one star reviews, and the two that provided commentary noted they were or their loved ones were kicked out of treatment.
However, everyone else provided positive reviews and commentary. Reviewers praised the treatment team, the clean facility, and effective programming. “The Athens Area Commencement Center is a fantastic place that helped save my life,” an alum wrote in a representative review. “The outpatient program is well structured and helps you maintain and manage your life and sobriety.”
To date, the 10 people to leave reviews on Athens Area Commencement Center’s Facebook page, which it has the ability to manage, gave an average of 4.1 out of five stars.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
The loved one surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided mostly positive feedback, and gave three out of five stars for treatment effectiveness, and four stars when asked if they would recommend the center. “I think this facility is well worth the time and helps your loved one,” they wrote.
FINANCING
According to Athens Area Commencement Center’s website, it is one of the 167 (53 percent) treatment centers in Georgia that accepts insurance.