After operating for decades out of cramped converted houses near downtown Vero Beach, substance abuse and behavioral health clinic Thrive has moved into a sprawling office space in the old Doctors Clinic building behind Miracle Mile, between Indian River Boulevard and Royal Palm Boulevard. “The move has been transformational from where we were,” said Carrie Lester, CEO. “We were so discombobulated over there with our services spread among different buildings. Now we are all under one roof and we can easily work together to serve the community.” The new office space is colorful as well as commodious, with different sections of the facility brightly painted in the group’s mission colors – coral for leadership, yellow for awareness, green for education, blue for help, and lavender for healing – making it inviting and uplifting for both patients and staff. Founded in 1989 as the Substance Abuse Council and later called the Substance Awareness Center, Thrive has grown from “a small organization providing resources, information and referrals on substance misuse prevention and recovery … into the most complete prevention, recovery and treatment organization [in Vero Beach],” according to its website. Staffed by prevention strategists and licensed therapists, the group “offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment services including Day Treatment, Outpatient Services, Recovery Housing and Peer Support … utilizing the most advanced evidence-based approaches for youth and adult recovery.” The name “Thrive embodies our dedication to empowering individuals, families and the community to overcome substance misuse and achieve lives of resilience, health and hope,” Lester said. “The work we do is so much bigger than just substance. We want people with substance use disorders to not only survive but to thrive. That’s why we rebranded from the Substance Awareness Center to Thrive. It better defines what we do and what we want for our clients.” Substance misuse touches nearly every family in America in one way or another, with 48.5 million Americans aged 12 and older battling a substance use disorder in the past year, according to American Addiction Centers, a nationwide network of rehab centers. Even in our charming beachside town, the impact is significant. Indian River County’s drug overdose rate recently climbed from 42 to 43.5 per 100,000 people, even as Florida’s average fell from 38.5 to 35.9. Typically, only 6 percent of those with a substance use disorder access treatment. Partnering with 20 different schools and nonprofits, Thrive’s prevention strategy reaches thousands of students annually, building coping skills, goal-setting habits, and effective refusal strategies. More than 4,000 middle and high school students in Indian River County have benefited from these lessons in schools and activity centers. In a recent survey, 87 percent of students reported gaining tools to help them navigate life’s challenges after attending a Thrive presentation. “Substance use disorders are diseases of adolescence,” said Lester. “They start in adolescence – and they’re prevented in adolescence. If you can delay the onset of use past age 21, you significantly reduce the risk of developing a substance use disorder. But if use begins before age 15, the likelihood of addiction skyrockets.” Family involvement is also a crucial factor in prevention. “Family management was our identified risk factor, and we have grant funding for our Strengthening Families programming,” Lester said. “Our seven-week program is hosted in accessible locations. Families share meals, participate in individual sessions for parents and youth, and reconvene for joint activities. It transforms the way families communicate and interact.” For youth already exhibiting risky behaviors, Thrive provides targeted interventions. More than 300 youth have received personalized programs focusing on coping skills, effective communication and refusal strategies. Of those, 91 percent successfully completed the program, according to Lester. For adults, Thrive’s Recovery Works program offers life-saving services and support to combat the overdose crisis. More than 200 adults each year receive individualized care for substance use disorders, with 83 percent maintaining abstinence during the program, according to the organization. Certified peer support specialists play a vital role, offering hope through shared lived experiences. Thrive also offers recovery housing where individuals build the life skills and confidence necessary for long-term recovery and operates an on-site lab offering affordable drug testing. “We rely heavily on our partnership with Treasure Coast Community Health for medical support in our medication-assisted treatment – MAT – program,” said Lester. “We have grant funding to help offset medication costs, but we need medical professionals to ensure clients are connected to and maintained on the proper treatment.” “Our collaborative effort with Thrive allows us to enhance our MAT services through the supportive therapeutic environment available at Thrive,” said Dr. Sawat Gad, medical consultant for Thrive. “We are now able to effectively integrate the best possible care for our clients by providing them with the right tools for their recovery whether it's medications, therapy or residential treatment. Together we are able to treat the whole person and target any psychiatric or physical co-morbidities in addition to substance abuse treatment.” In addition to programs for youth and adults, Thrive offers services specifically for seniors, as well as tools and training for families and friends of those affected by substance use, offering 21 classes each week to enhance the chances of sustainable recovery for those suffering from addiction. “We are basically teaching all the essential life skills people need to navigate life’s challenges,” Lester concluded. “In our schools and summer camps, we help kids make healthy decisions for their futures. Our MAT program is vital for stabilizing brain chemistry, which reduces overdose risks and saves lives.” Carrie Lester invites anyone in need to stop by Thrive’s new office at 2300 5th Ave., Suite 103, Vero Beach, or call to speak with a professional about substance use disorders and the many paths to recovery. The phone number is 772-770-4811. Lester has served Thrive since 2006 in various clinical capacities and now leads the organization as CEO. She holds an Ed.D and is a Licensed Mental health Counselor (LMHC), and a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP).