



Athens Area Commencement Center
Treatment Focus
This center treats substance use disorders and mental health conditions. You'll receive individualized care catered to your unique situation and diagnosis, learn practical skills for recovery, and make new connections in a restorative environment.
Primary Level of Care
Outpatient treatment offers flexible therapeutic and medical care without the need to stay overnight in a hospital or inpatient facility. Some centers offer intensive outpatient program (IOP), which falls between inpatient care and traditional outpatient service.
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Treatment Focus
This center treats substance use disorders and mental health conditions. You'll receive individualized care catered to your unique situation and diagnosis, learn practical skills for recovery, and make new connections in a restorative environment.
Primary Level of Care
Outpatient treatment offers flexible therapeutic and medical care without the need to stay overnight in a hospital or inpatient facility. Some centers offer intensive outpatient program (IOP), which falls between inpatient care and traditional outpatient service.
Provider's Policy
Athens Area Commencement Center accepts private health insurance, cash or self-payment, and state-financed health insurance plans other than Medicaid for its services.
Athens Area Commencement Center
Athens Area Commencement Center
About Athens Area Commencement Center
This center aids individuals and families battling drug and alcohol addiction. They provide various care levels, including day treatment (PHP), outpatient detox, and outpatient treatment. Their unique, personalized approach refined since 1978 helps patients get sober without leaving family or work, fostering a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Integrated Therapeutic Strategies
Their treatment approach is individualized and based on current science, viewing addiction as a disease. They use proven therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy. Clients receive tailored care addressing their unique needs, guided through educational and reality-based group sessions towards lasting recovery.
Commitment to Lasting Sobriety
A key feature is their specialized outpatient detox for alcohol and opioids, allowing sobriety without disrupting daily life. They strongly emphasize the family's vital role in recovery, offering dedicated support. An aftercare program ensures continued assistance after treatment, helping individuals maintain sobriety. This integrated approach supports a healthier future for clients and their loved ones.
Center Overview
Treatment Focus
This center treats substance use disorders and mental health conditions. You'll receive individualized care catered to your unique situation and diagnosis, learn practical skills for recovery, and make new connections in a restorative environment.
CARF Accredited
CARF stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. It's an independent, non-profit organization that provides accreditation services for a variety of healthcare services. To be accredited means that the program meets their standards for quality, effectiveness, and person-centered care.

Insurance Accepted
Pricing and Program Length
Estimated Center Costs
Center pricing can vary based on program and length of stay. Contact the center for more information. Recovery.com strives for price transparency so you can make an informed decision.
Meet Your Care Team

JIm Hinzman, MAC, CCDP-Diplomate
President / CEO
Masters Degree from Emory University, Master Addiction Counselor through NAADAC and in Co-Occurring Disorders by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc; and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor.

Jim Turner, MPPPM
Aftercare Coordinator
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Georgia.

Farris Johnson, MD
Medical Director
Member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and is board-certified by the American Board of Family Practice.

Crissy Walton, CARN
Certified Addictions Registered Nurse & Clinical Coordinator

Merrill A. Norton, Pharm. D., D.Ph., ICCDP-D
Faculty of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy

Kristin Doster, RN
Nurse
Employed as an RN for 20 years with experience in critical care, long-term care, and has been working in a recovery-oriented setting for the last 6 years.

Cooper
Therapy Dog
Pure-breed English Retriever trained in obedience and is a registered therapy animal.
Levels of Care
Your Care Options
Specializations
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
Chronic Relapse
Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.
Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
Opioids
Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.
Who We Treat
Adolescents
Teens receive the treatment they need for mental health disorders and addiction, with the added support of educational and vocational services.
Young Adults
Emerging adults ages 18-25 receive treatment catered to the unique challenges of early adulthood, like college, risky behaviors, and vocational struggles.
Men and Women
Men and women attend treatment for addiction in a co-ed setting, going to therapy groups together to share experiences, struggles, and successes.
Approaches
Evidence-Based
A combination of scientifically rooted therapies and treatments make up evidence-based care, defined by their measured and proven results.
Individual Treatment
Individual care meets the needs of each patient, using personalized treatment to provide them the most relevant care and greatest chance of success.
Medical
Medical addiction treatment uses approved medications to manage withdrawals and cravings, and to treat contributing mental health conditions.
Twelve Step
Incorporating spirituality, community, and responsibility, 12-Step philosophies prioritize the guidance of a Higher Power and a continuation of 12-Step practices.
Therapies
1-on-1 Counseling
Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.
Animal Therapy
Animals can inspire trust and self-worth. In this experiential therapy, guided interactions are used to improve social skills and emotion regulation.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.
Interpersonal Therapy
This brief and structured therapy addresses present relationships and improves overall communication at work, home, and other social settings.
Life Skills
Teaching life skills like cooking, cleaning, clear communication, and even basic math provides a strong foundation for continued recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Combined with behavioral therapy, prescribed medications can enhance treatment by relieving withdrawal symptoms and focus patients on their recovery.
Languages
Conditions We Treat
Anger
Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.
Bipolar
This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.
Codependency
Codependency is a pattern of emotional dependence and controlling behavior. It's most common among people with addicted loved ones.
Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.
Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is a long-term pattern of unhealthy behavior relating to food. Most people with eating disorders have a distorted self-image.
Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but severe grief can interfere with your ability to function. You can get treatment for this condition.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts that drive repetitive behaviors. This pattern disrupts daily life and relationships.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders destabilize the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. If untreated, they can undermine relationships and lead to severe distress.
Substances We Treat
Alcohol
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.
Chronic Relapse
Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.
Co-Occurring Disorders
A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a stimulant that causes intense euphoria and heightened awareness. Abuse of this drug can trigger depression, insomnia, and memory problems.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.
Aftercare
Care Designed for Your Needs
Personal Amenities
Activities
Smoking and Vaping Policy
What people are saying
Treatment
5.0
Accommodations
5.0
Food & Nutrition
5.0
Value
5.0
Tom
Reviewed 01/11/24
Review from Rehabs.com