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Matthew Perry: A Cautionary Tale of Unethical Ketamine Treatment


Matthew Perry, who died from illegal ketamine use.

The recent passing of Matthew Perry, a beloved actor who openly shared his struggles with addiction and mental health, is a tragic reminder of the importance of ethics in treating these conditions. We are deeply saddened by what happened to Mr. Perry, and our hearts go out to his family and friends. His passing underscores the need for responsible, compassionate care in mental health treatment. As a board-certified psychiatrist and ketamine provider, I believe this moment calls for reflection on the need for safe, evidence-based treatment, especially with innovative therapies like ketamine.


A Tragic Loss and the Dangers of Unethical Practices


Matthew Perry’s story isn’t just about his personal battle; it sheds light on the dangers of receiving treatment from those who lack proper oversight and ethical standards. Reports indicate that Perry’s death involved a combination of ketamine, the opioid buprenorphine, and the benzodiazepine Xanax. He was also found alone in a hot tub, which raises serious concerns about the conditions in which he was receiving treatment. This combination of powerful sedatives, particularly when used without proper monitoring and in such an unsafe environment, highlights how critical it is for patients to receive treatment from providers who prioritize safety and evidence-based practices. Leaving someone unmonitored and unsupervised after administering such powerful medications is not only unethical but extremely dangerous.


The True Role of Monitoring and Supervision in Ketamine Therapy


Ketamine therapy, when done correctly, is a safe and effective option for mental health treatment. At our practice, every patient is carefully monitored by a licensed physician, with vital signs checked and support provided throughout every session. This ensures that ketamine therapy is both safe and effective, minimizing risks and enhancing outcomes.


Blood pressure monitoring during ketamine therapy.

Understanding the Facts About Ketamine Therapy


  • Ketamine is safe: Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years, and in 2019, the FDA approved a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. According to a systematic review, there have been zero cases of overdose or death related to ketamine’s use as an antidepressant in a therapeutic environment, underscoring its safety when administered correctly.

  • Ketamine is an effective treatment for mental health: Ketamine, when administered responsibly, is one of the fastest-acting and most effective treatments for depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and PTSD, especially for those who haven’t responded to traditional medications.

  • Recreational use is not the same as being treated by a doctor: Recreational use of ketamine is dangerous and unregulated, while in a medical setting, it is given in a controlled manner with supervision by licensed professionals, ensuring safety and minimizing risks.

  • Dose matters: The dose of ketamine found in Matthew Perry’s system was approximately 8 to 10 times higher than what is used in therapeutic settings. This extreme dosage is not what is administered in a clinical environment where ketamine is carefully measured and given in much smaller, controlled amounts.

  • Combining ketamine with other substances is dangerous: The presence of multiple sedatives, such as ketamine, opioids, and benzodiazepines, as in Matthew Perry’s case, can be extremely dangerous and is not a part of ethical medical treatment. Combining such substances greatly increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.


Moving Forward: Providing Safe and Ethical Care


Matthew Perry’s story is a stark reminder that vulnerable individuals deserve better. Ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based care isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. At CLEAR Ketamine + Psychiatry, our mission is to provide treatment that respects the individual, offering a path to healing that is both safe and effective.


If you or someone you know is seeking treatment, please choose a provider who prioritizes your safety and well-being. We owe it to our community, and to those like Matthew Perry, to ensure that mental health care is delivered with the highest standards of ethics and care.


Doctor providing support to a patient during ketamine therapy.

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