Perry, known for his struggles with addiction, had turned to ketamine as a potential solution for his depression during a stay at a rehab facility in Switzerland several years ago.

In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," Perry described ketamine as a powerful anesthetic that provided relief from both physical pain and depression. He was initially intrigued by the dissociative properties of the drug, which he compared to a "giant exhale." However, he later found the hangover effects unpleasant and concluded that ketamine was not for him.

Despite this, Perry eventually returned to using ketamine, seeking treatments from clinics and later purchasing it from illicit sources. Tragically, it was the excessive use of ketamine that led to his untimely demise. An autopsy confirmed that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning identified as one of the contributing factors.

The investigation into Perry's death has also shed light on the illegal ketamine trade. Five individuals, including two doctors, have been arrested and charged with facilitating Perry's access to the drug that ultimately caused his death. Three of the accused have already pleaded guilty.

This tragic event has raised important questions about the growing reliance on ketamine as an alternative therapy for depression and mental health disorders. Given Perry's well-known struggles with substance abuse, it begs the question of whether he was a suitable candidate for ketamine treatment, a drug that has also been abused as a party drug.

According to interviews with doctors who specialize in ketamine treatment or research, patients with a history of substance abuse present complex challenges. The absence of widely accepted guidelines forces providers to carefully consider the risks and benefits of initiating ketamine treatment. Factors such as the duration of sobriety and the level of support available from friends, family, and treatment groups must be taken into account.

While ketamine has shown promising results in relieving symptoms of depression, the long-term safety and effectiveness of the drug remain largely unknown. It possesses a lower addiction risk compared to opioids, but its misuse has been linked to serious health complications, including bladder damage. While some medical providers and companies have downplayed the risks to capitalize on the ketamine hype, proper regulation and oversight are crucial.

The case of Matthew Perry highlights the importance of closely monitoring patients with a history of substance abuse who undergo ketamine treatment. Warning signs, such as increased dosage requests and a rapidly growing tolerance, should not be ignored. These indicators may suggest unauthorized usage of ketamine outside of a clinic setting.

As the medical community continues to explore the potential benefits and risks of ketamine as a psychiatric treatment, it is vital to establish clear guidelines and comprehensive research. The tragic outcome of Matthew Perry's story underscores the need for caution and responsible medical practices to prevent such devastating consequences in the future.

Overall, Perry's death has not only brought attention to the illegal ketamine trade but also sparked a critical discussion about the use of ketamine for mental health treatment. The medical community must address these concerns and work towards ensuring the careful and responsible administration of ketamine, safeguarding the well-being of patients in vulnerable situations.