Matthew Perry.Photo:David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
According to the autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Coroner, theFriendsalum was “reportedly clean for 19 months” before his death, which was ruled accidental.
The actor was practicing ketamine infusion therapy and his last treatment took place just “one and a half weeks before” his death, the report stated. However, the coroner noted that “the ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy, since ketamine’s half-life is 3 to 4 hours, or less.”
Ketamineis a “dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects,” per theU.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It “distorts the perception of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control,” and “can induce a state of sedation (feeling calm and relaxed), immobility, relief from pain, and amnesia.”
However, the drug is alsoillegally taken to get high, as it can put people into a relaxed or detached state.
Over the years, many stars have opened up about using ketamine to specifically treat addiction in the past —includingLamar Odom, who said he saw it as a “healthy high” in helping him withsubstance abuse issues.Sharon Osbournehas spoken aboutpursuing ketamine treatmentafter developing anxiety in 2021.
More recently,Teen MomstarTyler Baltierratold PEOPLE he started ketamine therapy to unlock repressed memories and help him work through childhood trauma, andDynastystarCatherine Oxenberg also spoke with PEOPLE about her experience using ketaminetherapy to overcome trauma after rescuing her daughter India from the NXIVM cult.
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Ketamine.Teresa Crawford/AP/Shutterstock
Ketamine therapy is a treatment that uses low doses of the drug in order to manage various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The American Psychiatric Association does not provide specific guidelines for the use of ketamine. But a2019 studyconducted at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients with anxiety experienced lessened symptoms just 40 minutes after taking a low dose of ketamine.
Ketamine can come in different forms, including nasal spray, IV therapy, injections, and lozenges. Side effects of using the medication include nausea, dizziness headaches, dissociation, vertigo, drowsiness, psychosis and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
