Doctor to Resume Practice After Matthew Perry's Death

The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry has reignited discussions about the role of medical professionals in the lives of celebrities struggling with addiction. Perry, who was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 22, 2023, had been using ketamine, a drug he initially received under medical supervision for pain and depression. However, following his return to the U.S., he sought the drug from illicit sources, leading to a fatal overdose attributed to "acute effects of ketamine," with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease. In the wake of Perry's death, two doctors, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia, along with Perry's personal assistant and others, have been charged with supplying him with ketamine. Prosecutors allege that Plasencia profited from Perry's addiction, charging him $55,000 for the drug. Dr. Sanjay Gupta noted that while ketamine alone may not be lethal, it likely contributed to Perry's drowning in the hot tub. The case raises concerns about the potential misuse of ketamine, which has legitimate medical applications but can be abused. Despite the charges, Dr. Plasencia plans to reopen his medical practice, albeit with restrictions on prescribing controlled substances. He faces serious legal consequences, including potential prison time, as he has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges related to the distribution of ketamine. The ongoing investigation highlights the complexities of addiction treatment and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in safeguarding vulnerable patients.