The Athens Area Commencement Center Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Program FRAME WORK FOR CARE As patients travel down their personal path to recovery, The Athens Area Commencement Center (AACC) provides the structure and support needed to successfully complete the journey. Here's how it works. Results 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 Partial Hospitalization Treatment Day Outpatient Treatment Evening Outpatient Treatment Aftercare/Continuum Care             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. Group Therapy The heart and soul of AACC is group therapy. 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.