The investigation into the tragic death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry has led to the indictment of five people accused of contributing to his fatal ketamine overdose in October. Among those charged are two doctors and a street dealer, all of whom allegedly played a role in providing Perry with large amounts of the potent drug.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic approved by U.S. health regulators for use during surgery. It can be administered via an intramuscular injection or through an IV. Although it is a medical anesthetic, ketamine has also gained popularity as a recreational drug due to its euphoric effects. However, it can cause hallucinations and seriously affect breathing and heart function.

In recent years, ketamine has seen a rise in off-label use to treat depression, anxiety, and pain. While it isn't officially approved for these conditions, doctors are allowed to prescribe it for such uses. Perry was reportedly using ketamine to treat his depression and was receiving ketamine infusion therapy from his doctors. However, when his doctors refused to give him more doses, Perry allegedly turned to other sources.

The Allegations

Prosecutors revealed that Perry obtained ketamine through a network that included two doctors, his assistant, and a woman referred to as the “Ketamine Queen.” According to authorities, Perry's assistant, who has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death, injected Perry with the drug several times on the day he died.

“This wasn’t legitimate ketamine treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “We’re talking about two doctors who betrayed the trust placed in them and abused their medical licenses, ultimately putting someone’s life at risk.”

Ketamine's Broader Impact

Beyond its medical and recreational use, ketamine has also been used by paramedics as a sedative, often in situations involving police when a subject is deemed out of control. However, this practice has come under scrutiny due to the drug’s risks. The 2019 death of Elijah McClain in Colorado, which resulted from a ketamine overdose administered by paramedics, led to convictions and raised awareness of the dangers associated with this practice.

The use of ketamine and other sedatives by law enforcement has quietly spread across the U.S. over the past 15 years, often based on questionable science and supported by experts aligned with police interests, according to an investigation by The Associated Press. 

(agency inputs)