Image Credit: Parla ClinicsMatthew Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, struggled with co-occurring disorders (COD), a condition involving both mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Recent reports have revisited his long-standing battle with addiction following his death on October 28, 2023, which was officially attributed to “the acute effects of ketamine,” with additional contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine use.
Perry had spoken extensively about his struggles, revealing in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, that he had been to rehab 15 times. Despite maintaining periods of sobriety, he faced frequent relapses, often triggered by personal and emotional difficulties. A source cited by Us Weekly in December 2023 stated that Perry’s struggles intensified after Friends ended, leading to social isolation and an increased reliance on substances.
The actor had acknowledged that loneliness played a significant role in his addiction. His memoir detailed his fear of being alone, which he identified as a major factor in his substance use. He had also expressed regret over missed opportunities to start a family, stating that his addiction had impacted his relationships.
Perry’s efforts to overcome addiction included extensive medical treatment. Reports indicate that he spent between $7 million and $9 million on rehabilitation. His health had also been severely affected, with a ruptured colon from opioid misuse resulting in a prolonged recovery period.
In the months before his death, Perry had been focused on advocating for those struggling with addiction. His family has since launched The Matthew Perry Foundation to continue this work. The actor had previously urged those facing similar challenges to seek support, emphasizing the importance of addressing both mental health and substance use issues together.
