Skip to content
Detox Local
Sponsored 24/7 Detox Help Line
(866) 442-3244 Answered by Treatment Addictions Solutions — who answers?

Outpatient Treatment · Athens, GA

Athens Area Commencement Center

Outpatient Medical Detox Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Day Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Evening
Address
1175 Mitchell Bridge Road
Athens, GA 30606
Accredited by
CARF
Admissions
Call to confirm availability
Athens Area Commencement Center - drug and alcohol detox center in Athens, GA

About

About Athens Area Commencement Center

Athens Area Commencement Center (AACC) is a long-standing outpatient addiction treatment program located at 1175 Mitchell Bridge Road in Athens, Georgia. Founded in 1978, the CARF-accredited program specializes in outpatient alcohol and opiate detox – an unusual specialty that allows medically stable adults to begin detox without leaving their families or jobs. Programming spans partial hospitalization, day and evening intensive outpatient, and standard outpatient treatment, with a clear evidence-based clinical focus.

The AACC team is unusually deep for an outpatient program. Owner and CEO Jason Brown leads operations with Business Manager Patrick Sparks. Medical Director Farris Johnson, MD oversees the medical components of detox and ongoing care. Administrator Crissy Walton, CARN, and Clinical Coordinator Kristin Doster, CARN, bring Certified Addictions Registered Nurse credentials to the program. Pharmacological expertise comes from Merrill A. Norton, Pharm.D., D.Ph., ICCDP-D, with Negin Moon, Pharm.D., serving as Pharmacological Advisor. Lead Counselor and Case Manager Tia Burkhalter holds a CAC-I credential, Jim Hinzman, MAC, CCDP-Diplomate, serves as a consultant, and Rebecca Henderson, RN, is an addiction counselor on staff.

The clinical model integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Therapy, and Group Therapy – delivered in both experiential and reality formats – alongside structured educational meetings that teach clients about addiction as a disease. The Adult Day Outpatient Treatment runs six days a week with weekday and Saturday morning sessions; the Adult Evening Outpatient Treatment is designed for clients who must work during the day, with Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening groups plus Saturday morning sessions. This level of scheduling flexibility makes AACC a strong fit for working professionals and parents.

AACC treats fentanyl, opiate, alcohol, and broader drug addictions, along with co-occurring anxiety and depression. The program serves both adults and adolescents and is designed around the philosophy that family involvement is essential to recovery. Private insurance, state insurance, and self-pay are accepted, and the team offers a free assessment for prospective clients before committing to a level of care.

  • Longest-standing addiction treatment facility in Athens, GA with 45+ years of detox experience since 1978
  • On-site pharmacological support with certified pharmacy professionals for withdrawal management protocols
  • CARF-accredited medical detox programs with specialized fentanyl and opiate withdrawal protocols
  • Ambulatory detoxification model allowing medically supervised detox while maintaining daily responsibilities
  • Certified addiction recovery nurses (CARN) providing medical supervision throughout withdrawal process

Treatment

What this center treats and how

Levels of care
Outpatient Medical Detox Partial Hospitalization (PHP) Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Day Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Evening Outpatient Treatment
Conditions
Alcohol Addiction Opiate / Opioid Addiction Fentanyl Addiction Drug Addiction Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders Anxiety Depression
Methods
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Family Therapy Group Therapy (Experiential and Reality) Patient Education / Educational Meetings
Populations
Adolescents Adults Men Women Working Professionals Families Co-Occurring Disorders / Dual Diagnosis
Languages
English
Facility
Outpatient clinic in Athens, GA Outpatient detox capability Day IOP program Evening IOP program Group therapy rooms

Location

Where it is

1175 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30606 Get directions

Ready to talk to Athens Area Commencement Center?

Calls go directly to the center. Free and confidential.

Call (706) 546-7355

Medical Detox Programs and Withdrawal Management

Athens Area Commencement Center provides comprehensive medical detox services for individuals requiring medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, and fentanyl. The facility operates under CARF accreditation with Medical Director Dr. Farris Johnson overseeing all detox protocols. Their specialized ambulatory detoxification approach allows patients to receive medical supervision and withdrawal management while maintaining certain daily responsibilities.

The center's detox programs include dedicated protocols for alcohol detox, opioid detox, and benzodiazepine withdrawal management. On-site pharmacological support comes from certified professionals including Dr. Negin Moon (Pharm D) and Dr. Merrill Norton (Pharm D, ICCDP-D), ensuring appropriate medication management throughout the withdrawal process. Certified addiction recovery nurses (CARN) provide continuous medical supervision during detox treatment.

Intensive Outpatient and Continuing Care

Following medical detox, Athens Area Commencement Center offers intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and standard outpatient treatment to support ongoing recovery. The facility treats co-occurring disorders through dual diagnosis protocols, addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders. Clinical staff utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy approaches.

The center maintains operating hours Monday through Saturday (8 AM-3 PM) to accommodate both urgent detox admissions and ongoing outpatient treatment schedules. Aftercare programs provide continued support following detox completion, with case management services coordinated by Lead Counselor Tia Burkhalter (CAC-I). Treatment plans address fentanyl addiction, opiate addiction, and alcohol addiction through structured outpatient protocols.

Clinical Staff and Medical Oversight

The facility maintains specialized clinical staff trained in addiction medicine and withdrawal management. Medical Director Dr. Farris Johnson provides medical oversight for all detox programs, while certified addiction recovery nurses including Administrator Crissy Walton (CARN) and Clinical Coordinator Kristin Doster (CARN) manage day-to-day medical supervision. Registered nurse Rebecca Henderson serves as an addiction counselor, providing clinical expertise during the detox process.

Pharmacological support comes from specialized pharmacy professionals including Dr. Negin Moon (Pharmacological Advisor) and Dr. Merrill Norton, ensuring appropriate medication protocols for withdrawal management. Consultant Jim Hinzman (Mac, CCDP-Diplomate) provides additional clinical oversight for complex detox cases. This medical team structure supports safe withdrawal management for alcohol, opioids, and other substances requiring medically supervised detox.

After Care

Continuing support

Aftercare program Continuing outpatient Family education Educational meetings Step-down from IOP to outpatient

Cost & Credentials

What's covered and who vouches for it

Payment options
Private Insurance Self-Pay / Cash State Insurance
Accreditations
CARF

Common questions

FAQs About Athens Area Commencement Center

What types of medical detox does Athens Area Commencement Center provide? +
The center provides medical detox and withdrawal management for alcohol, opioids, and fentanyl addiction. Their ambulatory detoxification programs operate under medical supervision with on-site pharmacological support. The facility specializes in opiate detox and alcohol detox protocols with CARF accreditation.
Is medical supervision available during detox treatment? +
Yes, the facility provides medically supervised detox under Medical Director Dr. Farris Johnson and certified addiction recovery nurses (CARN). On-site pharmacological support from certified pharmacy professionals ensures appropriate medication management throughout withdrawal. Medical staff provide continuous oversight during the detox process.
What makes their ambulatory detoxification different from inpatient detox? +
Ambulatory detoxification allows patients to receive medically supervised withdrawal management while maintaining certain daily responsibilities. Patients receive medical supervision and pharmacological support during scheduled treatment hours rather than 24/7 residential care. This model provides medical detox with greater flexibility for appropriate candidates.
Does the center treat fentanyl and opioid withdrawal? +
Yes, Athens Area Commencement Center specializes in opioid detox including fentanyl addiction treatment. The facility has specific withdrawal protocols for opiate addiction with pharmacological support from certified pharmacy professionals. Medical staff are trained in managing complex opioid withdrawal symptoms.
What insurance options are accepted for detox treatment? +
The facility accepts private insurance, state insurance, and self-pay arrangements for medical detox services. Payment options accommodate urgent detox needs through multiple insurance types. Patients should verify specific coverage details for detox programs and withdrawal management services.
Are co-occurring mental health disorders treated during detox? +
Yes, the center provides dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders including anxiety and depression alongside substance use disorders. Clinical staff utilize CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic approaches during detox and continuing care. The facility serves patients requiring both withdrawal management and mental health support.
What are the operating hours for detox admission? +
Athens Area Commencement Center operates Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM, including weekend hours on Saturday. The facility is closed Sundays but maintains extended weekday and Saturday hours to accommodate urgent detox needs. Patients can contact (706) 546-7355 for admission information.
How long has the facility been providing detox services? +
Athens Area Commencement Center has operated since 1978, making it the longest-standing addiction treatment facility in Athens, GA. The center has 45+ years of experience in medical detox and withdrawal management. This established history demonstrates extensive expertise in detox protocols and addiction treatment.

Services

Programs and specialties

Treatment type
Outpatient Outpatient detoxification Outpatient day treatment or partial hospitalization IOP Outpatient methadone/buprenorphine or naltrexone treatment Aftercare recovery programs Alcohol Detoxification Benzodiazepines Detoxification Cocaine Detoxification Opioid Detoxification Methamphetamines detoxification Routinely uses medication for detoxification
Payment
Cash or self-payment State-financed health insurance plan other than Medicaid
Specialty
Mental health counseling for co-occurring disorders Group therapy Family therapy Marital/couples counseling Addiction recovery education Adolescents and young adults Pregnant/postpartum women Adult men Seniors or older adults Gay & Lesbian Veterans Clients referred from the court/judicial system
Call (706) 546-7355

Find a detox in a city near Athens Area Commencement Center

Sponsored Hotline · Who answers?
Call 24/7 · (866) 442-3244