In a recent interview, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX, addressed concerns about his use of prescription drugs, particularly ketamine, stating that investors should not be worried as long as his businesses continue to thrive financially. Musk emphasized the impressive value of Tesla, which is worth as much as the rest of the car industry combined, stating, "From an investor's standpoint, if there is something I'm taking, I should keep taking it."

Acknowledging his use of ketamine, Musk clarified that he only takes it occasionally, typically consuming a small dose every other week when he finds himself in a "negative chemical mind state." He attributed the use of the dissociative anesthetic to help shift his mindset away from negativity, emphasizing that it is not a common occurrence in his life. Notably, Musk revealed that ketamine is prescribed to him by a medical doctor.

While Musk hesitated to confirm if he has been formally diagnosed with depression, he acknowledged experiencing times when he enters a "negative chemical state" in his brain similar to depression. The SpaceX founder stressed that sobriety is not an issue for him, highlighting his commitment to work and long hours. He stated, "If you use too much ketamine, you can't really get work done, and I have a lot of work."

Musk asserted that he cannot afford to be mentally impaired for extended periods due to his demanding work schedule, which usually involves 16-hour workdays without taking weekends off. This commitment to productivity, according to Musk, serves as evidence that his drug use does not hinder his work efficiency. He explained, "I'm typically putting in 16-hour days. That's normal for me, and it's rare for me to take off even a weekend day, so I don't really have a situation where I can be not mentally acute for an extended period of time."

While Elon Musk's admission about his use of ketamine has stirred discussions about the drug's potential risks and consequences, it is worth noting that other public figures, such as Pete Davidson, have also turned to ketamine to cope with mental health issues. However, the misuse of ketamine can be harmful and even fatal, as was tragically demonstrated in the case of actor Matthew Perry in December 2023. The autopsy report revealed that Perry's death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine, along with other contributing factors such as drowning, coronary artery disease, and the presence of the opioid buprenorphine.

Dr. Bankole Johnson, a respected neuroscientist and physician, expressed concern over Perry's recreational use of ketamine while also using buprenorphine, stating that it is a dangerous combination. Nevertheless, Dr. Johnson acknowledged the benefits of ketamine when administered by trained healthcare professionals in a medical setting for treating conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, emphasizing that it can be generally safe when used appropriately.

Elon Musk's frank discussion about his use of ketamine has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between mental health management and professional success. As the controversy continues, the broader implications of drug use, especially in the context of high-pressure industries like tech and entertainment, warrant further exploration and understanding.