Thrive Recovery Center Addresses Addiction in Gaston County
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Gastonia, NC (WNN)- Addiction is giving up everything for one thing; recovery is giving up one thing for everything. Gaston County has seen a rise in alcohol and drug addiction in recent years. The opioid epidemic, alcohol addiction, and methamphetamine use continue to impact families, making the need for accessible, effective treatment greater than ever. This increase has led to a plethora of problems.
An addict becomes a slave to their drug of choice, and nothing matters other than obtaining the next fix. This obsession leads to bad decisions that potentially will result in criminal acts, broken families, poor nutrition, jail time, loss of jobs, and even loss of life.
Some attempt to remedy their addictive behavior on their own but seldom succeed. Addiction is a powerful monster, and professional help is required to conquer the beast. Where can one turn for help?
A New Center For Recovery
Recently Pastor Dickie Spargo led an effort for City Church to buy the abandoned and derelict former Heritage Oaks Assisted Living Center located on South Marietta Street in Gastonia, NC. However, it was recently purchased by an anonymous donor. The price tag was around $450,000 for the building and parcel, much work is needed to make the new center operational.
Introducing Thrive Recovery Center
What is the new center? An independent nonprofit, Thrive Recovery Center, was launched by Pastor Dickie Spargo. The center will operate independently of City Church. City Church will play a key role in providing peer support, volunteer assistance, and operational support.
Their involvement will help strengthen the community aspect of the recovery program, yet Thrive Recovery Center will operate separately from City Church. Thrive Recovery Center’s motto is “a path to recovery, renewal, and empowerment.”
A Unique Approach to Recovery
There are several treatment and recovery centers located in Gaston County; however, Thrive Recovery Center is unique in its DNA and approach to treatment and recovery. In its simplest form, it is a comprehensive faith-based approach to addiction recovery for Gaston County.
Thrive Recovery Center provides holistic, long-term support for individuals battling addiction in Gaston County. This faith-based approach integrates evidence-based recovery methods, recognizing that addiction affects the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. The goal is not only to survive but also to thrive.
Leadership and Vision
Executive Director Steve Wright will oversee program development, community partnerships, staffing, funding efforts, and the overall vision of the center. His focus is on ensuring the provision of high-quality, compassionate care for those seeking recovery.
Wright has an extensive background in counseling. He has over 30 years of experience in counseling, rehabilitation, and mental health services. He earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is licensed in North Carolina as well as a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina. His passion has always been to help individuals find hope, healing, and purpose through effective recovery strategies.
The Role of Faith in Recovery
Mr. Wright was asked how faith makes a difference in the long-term success of the approach used at Thrive, and he responded,
“Faith integrates mental and clinical health counseling with spiritual transformation. While therapy addresses cognitive and emotional struggles, faith provides purpose, hope, and power to sustain healing. Mental and clinical health counseling, when infused with faith and power of the Holy Spirit becomes more than behavior modification it becomes soul transformation.
A Blended Treatment Model
Unlike many programs that focus solely on clinical methods, Thrive Recovery Center will combine evidence-based treatments with faith-based guidance. Addiction is both a personal struggle and a challenge that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Recovery plans are to be tailored to the unique needs of each person.
Additionally, a unique feature is serving both men and women aged 18 and older within the same facility. While shared spaces are provided for therapy and group activities to foster healthy interactions and mutual support, men and women will have separate living quarters to ensure privacy and comfort. This co-ed approach helps participants develop effective communication skills and prepares them for life beyond treatment.
Executive Director Wright went on to say,
“The long-term goal is to help individuals achieve and maintain lasting sobriety, rebuild their lives, and reintegrate into society with purpose and stability. We provide mental health support, life skills training, relapse prevention tools, and strong community connections to support long-term recovery.”
Structured Recovery Plan
The recovery plan offered is structured and ranges from 90 days to one year, depending on the needs of the individual. Unlike other programs, there is no single “graduation”; instead, participants progress through different phases of treatment, receiving continued support and resources to help them transition back into daily life successfully.
A team of licensed counselors, peer mentors, and recovery coaches, as well as medical professionals, will be available to assist with health needs, detox, and withdrawal management. This ensures that patients receive both clinical care and mental health support throughout their recovery journey.
Projected Opening and Financial Needs
The original target date to open was late Fall 2025, however, it appears the official opening will more likely occur in the first or second quarter of 2026. In the meantime, there will be the implementation of offsite counseling services and support groups to start serving the community before the 72-bed facility is fully renovated and the new communal building is constructed.
An extensive project like this will require a large sum of capital to complete. The estimate to fully renovate, construct, and launch stands at $9 million. These funds will support renovations, new construction, staffing, program development, and comprehensive care services. Once fully operational, donations will help sustain essential recovery services, but right now, funding is critical to making opening day a reality.
How to Support Thrive Recovery Center
Thrive Recovery Center is committed to making treatment accessible to all. There will be a sliding scale fee structure, insurance accepted, and grants and donor funding will help cover costs for those in need. No one should be denied recovery due to financial struggles.
Donations are welcomed by individuals, businesses, churches, and organizations who want to be part of bringing Thrive Recovery Center to life. Donations will directly contribute to opening day preparations, including funding renovations, construction of new buildings, and the development of early-stage programs.
Ways to Donate
Contributions can be made through their website at ThriveGaston.com or by reaching out to a member of the administrative team directly. Every donation, no matter the amount, will be one step closer to opening the doors and changing or even saving a life.
More information can be found on their website or by following the Thrive Recovery Center Facebook page for updates, events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support the mission.
A Message of Hope
When asked if there were any final thoughts, Executive Director Steve Wright stated,
“Addiction doesn’t define a person, it’s a battle that can be won with the right support, tools, and determination. Thrive Recovery Center is here to help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and build a future they can be proud of.
If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t wait; reach out!” Help is available, and recovery is possible.
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