Matthew Perry’s Untimely Death Linked to High Levels of Ketamine and Struggle with Addiction
Matthew Perry’s tragic passing, attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, has left many in shock and sorrow.
The beloved ‘Friends’ actor, only 54 years old, was found deceased in his home’s hot tub just over a month ago.
This sudden loss has sparked widespread speculation among fans, particularly regarding the potential connection between his untimely death and any drug addictions he might have battled.
Perry’s 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” provided an intimate glimpse into his struggles with opioid abuse and addiction.
He candidly shared that this abuse led to a ruptured colon at the age of 49, necessitating up to 14 surgeries to repair the extensive abdominal damage.
Throughout his life, Perry faced a relentless battle with addiction, evidenced by his more than 15 stints in rehab to combat his drug dependence.
However, it was the autopsy report that revealed the harrowing details of his demise.
Perry had succumbed to the acute effects of ketamine, compounded by drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of the opioid buprenorphine, according to The New York Times.
Ketamine: A Controversial Remedy for Depression
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic effect, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
It distorts perceptions of sight and sound, often making users feel disconnected and out of control.
Originating as an animal anesthesia medication in Belgium during the 1960s, it was approved by the FDA for human use in 1970 and notably utilised in treating soldiers in the Vietnam War.
What is worrying though, is that the “kitkat”or “special K” (ketamine) has found popularity among teens and young adults at dance clubs and raves.
Its hallucinatory phase typically spans about two hours, but an overdose can dangerously slow breathing and lead to unconsciousness.
Perry never hid his struggles with alcohol and drug use, often leading to hospitalisations for various health issues.
He spent a significant portion of his life in treatment and rehab facilities.
According to the autopsy report, Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, but the levels of ketamine in his system at the time of death far exceeded those from his last known therapy session, which was about a week and a half prior.
The mystery deepens as the ketamine levels in his system were alarmingly high, akin to doses used in general anesthesia.
Additionally, toxicology tests revealed “therapeutic” levels of buprenorphine, a drug used for treating drug addiction and pain.
Perry’s live-in assistant, in a witness statement, mentioned that he was seeing a psychiatrist and taking buprenorphine as prescribed, twice daily.
The method of ketamine intake remains unknown, yet it is clear that the excessive levels found in his postmortem blood samples could cause lethal effects due to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression.
Perry’s untimely death not only leaves a void in the entertainment world but also raises critical concerns about the risks associated with drug use and the challenges of addiction.