DLNews Entertainment:

After discovering "Friends" star Matthew Perry lifeless in his home's hot tub on October 28, wild speculations about the 54-year-old's cause of death took center stage.

Matthew Perry died in his hot tub as a result of ketamine use.

Some friends and fans worried that the once substance-abusing actor might have taken a detour back into the world of vices. However, this suspicion evaporated when the investigating police announced no illegal substances were found in the actor's residence.

Matthew Perry (l.) became world-famous through "Friends": Here with his co-stars Courteney Cox Arquette, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston (from left)

Even actress Jennifer Aniston (54) chimed in during an interview with "Variety," affirming that Matthew was "happy" and had even "quit smoking."

However, the actor's autopsy report paints a different picture. According to the report, Matthew Perry succumbed to the acute effects of Ketamine.

Ketamine Causes Perry's Drowning

The equine anesthetic allegedly caused both overstimulation of the cardiovascular system and respiratory depression in the 54-year-old, ultimately leading to his drowning.

Spooky sight: After the actor's body was found, the street by his house was cordoned off.

A tragic chain of unfortunate events! The "Friends" star purportedly used the well-known party drug solely for medical reasons, receiving a Ketamine infusion therapy about a week and a half before his demise.

Although the therapy typically involves small amounts of the narcotic to help with depression and anxiety, the autopsy report raises eyebrows. Why? Because the Ketamine in Perry's blood supposedly didn't come from the infusion therapy, as the half-life of Ketamine is 3 to 4 hours or less.

Did Perry administer the drug to himself on the day of his death, or did someone else? That remains unclear. According to the medical examiner, Matthew Perry underwent Ketamine infusion therapy every other day for some time. However, six months before his death, a new doctor believed Perry was well enough to taper off the treatment. A fatal error?

As part of the 2021 "Friends" reunion, the cast was also guests of talk show host James Corden (center) - fans were apprehensive about Perry's (right) appearance during this time. He seemed absent, mumbled ...

Psychologist Explains the Dangers of Ketamine

Dr. Towers, a forensic psychologist who counsels not only depressed but also alcohol and drug-dependent patients at a private detox clinic in Malibu, explained the dangers of playing with the party drug.

"The infusions are mainly intended for severely depressed or treatment-resistant patients and must be applied under strict medical supervision. The most common side effects of the therapy include increased blood pressure and heart rate. Hallucinations and dizziness are also not uncommon."

According to Dr. Towers, this makes the drug dangerous for many formerly addicted patients. "Using Ketamine in patients with a history of substance abuse can be tricky because a relapse is possible. Ketamine can also be addictive even in low doses, especially when administered over an extended period. Some studies have proven this."

It's still unclear how many infusions Perry received in the months leading up to his death. Yet, even the slightest change in the administered amount can have severe consequences.

Ketamine in powder form: the substance is also used as a party drug.

"Ketamine can lead to both psychological and physical dependence, with patients needing more and more amounts to achieve the desired effect. Even in a controlled medical environment, where Ketamine is administered in low doses over an extended period, there is a high risk of addiction and a potential rekindling of past addictive behavior."

Perry was long considered heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol. In his autobiography, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," he wrote last year that he underwent a total of 64 detox treatments, 15 rehab measures, a psychiatric stay, and participated in about 6000 meetings with Alcoholics Anonymous. To kick his drug habit, he allegedly spent over nine million dollars! All in vain?

In essence, the decision to use Ketamine infusions in a former addict "should be made on a case-by-case basis," according to the forensic psychologist. However, regarding Matthew Perry, she noted, "He himself said he is a person with a high susceptibility to addictive behavior. This is naturally exacerbated if there are also underlying depression, anxiety, or stress."

According to the toxicology report, Matthew Perry was considered "clean for 19 months" at the time of his death. However, how Ketamine entered his bloodstream on October 28 remains a mystery...