Matthew Perry’s case underscore the urgent need for proper medical oversight

Following the recent arrests related to Matthew Perry’s unfortunate death last October, discussions surrounding the former Friends star’s ketamine use have resurfaced in the public eye. At Novel Mind & Wellness Center (NMWC), we find it essential to address these developments and reinforce our dedication to the safe, responsible, and therapeutic administration of ketamine infusions for mental health. The charges brought against five individuals, including healthcare professionals, in connection with this ongoing investigation highlight the need to clearly differentiate between ketamine misuse and its appropriate therapeutic use.

At Novel Mind & Wellness Center, we pride ourselves in advocating for the responsible therapeutic use of ketamine to treat conditions such as chronic pain, depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In response to the initial news of Mr. Perry’s passing, we would like to clarify misconceptions and make key distinctions between ketamine’s therapeutic applications and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Mr. Perry’s death. It is important to recognize that in nearly all cases of death involving the illicit use of ketamine, it is rarely the sole substance involved and is typically a contributing factor rather than the primary cause. A comprehensive review has found no instances of overdose or death associated with the use of ketamine as an antidepressant in a controlled, therapeutic environment.

NMWC’s Owner and Founder, Kelle Logan, CRNA, highlights:

“The arrests connected to Matthew Perry’s case underscore the urgent need for proper medical oversight and adherence to ethical standards in ketamine treatment. At NMWC, patient safety has always been our top priority, and we’ve set the benchmark for quality care. Our patients are supervised by a collaborative multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals including physicians, a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist, psychiatry and registered nurses.  It’s crucial to recognize that when administered responsibly in a clinical environment, ketamine remains one of the safest and most effective treatments for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. The actions of an illegal drug ring exploiting someone battling addiction, who tragically mixed three potent sedatives while alone in a hot tub and drowned, are entirely unrelated to the clinical, therapeutic application of ketamine.”