Five Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death: Doctors Involved
Two doctors are among five people charged in the death of actor Matthew Perry. One doctor agreed to sell ketamine from his clinic. The other doctor gave Perry the drug and taught his assistant how to inject it.
Ketamine Abuse Highlighted
Perry was injected many times on the day he died. The amount of ketamine in his body was at anesthesia levels. This case raises concerns about the loose rules around prescribing ketamine. The drug, once used only for anesthesia, is now being used for depression and pain.
Rise of Ketamine Clinics
Ketamine is a Schedule III drug, which means it has some risk for abuse. The use of ketamine has grown fast. Many clinics offer it without much oversight. The ketamine clinic industry was worth $3.4 billion in 2023 and is still growing.
Dangers of Unregulated Ketamine
Experts warn about the risks of using ketamine without proper supervision. Dr. Joseph Palamar, a drug expert, is worried about people using the drug at home. Even responsible people can make deadly mistakes under its influence. Perry’s death, after taking large doses of ketamine and drowning, shows these risks.
Need for Regulation
Experts and authorities want stricter rules for ketamine use. While it can help some people, the lack of control over its use is dangerous. More regulation could prevent future tragedies.