On December 1, 2025, the television program “Empowered with Meg Ryan” premiered a segment aimed at reshaping public perceptions of substance use disorder (SUD). In collaboration with Firetree, Ltd., the episode emphasizes SUD as a medical condition that warrants effective treatment, rather than a moral failing. Filmed in September 2025, this segment presents a comprehensive exploration of addiction, highlighting its complexities and pathways to recovery.
Understanding Substance Use Disorder
The upcoming segment will delve into the scientific aspects of addiction, reinforcing that it affects brain chemistry and behavior. Viewers can expect to learn about the three primary factors contributing to SUD: biological and genetic predisposition, psychological vulnerabilities, and social environmental influences. The program aims to illustrate how regular substance use can lead to significant neurological changes, resulting in powerful triggers and cravings that complicate recovery.
Featured prominently in the episode, Firetree, Ltd., based in Blairsville, PA, employs a distinctive treatment model that integrates evidence-based clinical practices with the insights of experienced counselors. According to Amy Ertel, Vice President of Firetree, “We are in the business of substance use disorder treatment because we believe in the power of the human spirit to heal and transform. Our purpose is not just to treat a disease but to restore hope and help individuals and families build a brand new beginning for their lives.”
Comprehensive Approaches to Recovery
The segment underlines the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treatment, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), alongside community support networks. It emphasizes that, like other chronic medical conditions, SUD requires ongoing management and support.
Firetree, Ltd. has spent nearly three decades refining its approach, focusing on creating a continuum of care that not only addresses addiction but also fosters a supportive community. This perspective moves beyond traditional 12-step programs, aiming to provide sustained assistance for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
This segment is targeted towards individuals grappling with SUD and their families, delivering a message of hope that frames addiction as a treatable illness. It presents recovery as an attainable goal through dedicated support and scientifically backed methods.
The episode will also address prevailing societal challenges in addiction treatment, including funding limitations and the shortage of quality sober living environments. Additionally, it will tackle common controversies related to MAT, providing insights based on scientific evidence to educate the audience about the nature of addiction and the importance of comprehensive care.
“Empowered with Meg Ryan” serves as a public television initiative designed to offer viewers educational content aimed at inspiring positive action within their communities. By partnering with organizations like Firetree, Ltd., the program highlights impactful pathways to enhanced well-being.
Firetree, Ltd. stands out for nearly three decades of commitment to transforming lives through addiction treatment, combining evidence-based strategies with clinical expertise. Their approach integrates credentialed clinical professionals with counselors who have personal experiences in recovery, fostering a unique and supportive therapeutic environment.
For more information about the program, visit www.empoweredprogram.com. To learn more about Firetree, Ltd., go to www.firetree.com.
