Almost two years have passed since the tragic death of Friends actor Matthew Perry. In a most recent development, one of the late actor's doctors, Dr Salvador Plasencia, has pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine, according to federal prosecutors.
A statement on behalf of the doctor shared with CNN this week said he “is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry”. “He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution” and acknowledges “his failure to protect Mr Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction.”
Ketamine is primarily an anaesthetic medication used in a controlled and monitored setting to induce a loss of consciousness and relieve pain. However, many, unfortunately, have indulged in its recreational use, increasing the risk of various physical and psychological complications.
So, what makes ketamine so popular in recent times, particularly among younger populations?
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What Is Ketamine?
"Ketamine is a medicine that is used as an anesthetic to help people stay asleep and are pain-free during surgeries," explains Dr V Arun, Lead Consultant – Anaesthesia, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru. It works quickly and is used in hospitals, especially in emergencies or with patients who can’t take other pain medicines.
The US Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) refers to ketamine as a "dissociative anaesthetic" known for its "hallucinogenic effects. It says, "It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control."
Dr Arun shares that in recent years, doctors have also started using small doses of ketamine to treat mental health issues like depression and anxiety, especially when other treatments don’t help. "It can improve mood quickly in some people," he notes.
However, because of its strong effects, ketamine is sometimes misused as a party drug, which can be dangerous without medical care or proper supervision.
Why Is Ketamine Becoming So Popular In Recent Times?
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorder found that ketamine use increased by 81.8% from 2015 to 2019 and by 40% from 2021 to 2022. After analysing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), researchers found that adults with depression were 80% more likely to have used ketamine in the past year in 2015-2019, but this association weakened in later years.
In 2021-2022, ketamine use increased only among those without depression. During the same year, adults aged 26-34 were 66% more likely to have used ketamine in the past year compared to adults aged 18-25.
According to Dr Arun, more and more people are using ketamine because of its ‘dream-like effects’. “Many users look for its dream-like effects, and escape from stress or emotional pain. It acts fast and doesn’t last very long, which some people see as safe.”
“Its growing use in mental health treatment, especially for depression, has also made more people curious about it. Ketamine is often used to feel relaxed, disconnected from reality, or more open emotionally,” he adds. However, using the drug without medical supervision can be risky and may lead to health problems or addiction over time, he warns.
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What Ketamine Use Does To The Body: How It Works
Ketamine affects the body in several ways.
Dr Arun explains, “It [ketamine] changes how the brain sends signals, especially those related to pain, mood, and memory. This is why it works well as an anesthetic and can quickly improve mood in some people. It blocks a brain chemical called glutamate, which helps with learning and memory. This leads to a feeling of disconnection from the body or surroundings.”
“Physically, ketamine can cause numbness, slow movement, and muscle relaxation. It may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure while slowing the breathing slightly. Some people experience mild hallucinations or feel like time has slowed down. While some find the feeling relaxing, others may feel confused or anxious,” he adds.
These effects usually last for 30 minutes to an hour. The experience can be pleasant or upsetting, depending on the dose and the setting.
Long-Term Health Risks Of Using Ketamine Frequently
As per Dr Arun, using ketamine regularly or in high doses can cause serious long-term health problems. "In the brain, ketamine may harm memory, focus, and thinking ability. Over time, people may feel emotionally flat or disconnected, and some may struggle with anxiety or depression. The kidneys can also be affected. There's also a high risk of addiction, as the body starts needing more to feel the same effect. These problems often grow worse over time."
One major problem is the development of a substance use disorder, according to the American Addiction Centers. Substance use disorder, also known as drug addiction, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behaviour. It leads to the inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medications.
Doctor Advises Against Recreational Use Of Ketamine
Ketamine is mostly advised for use in a controlled, clinical setting, where doctors carefully check the dose, monitor the patient, and use it for a specific purpose, like treating depression or pain. This makes it much safer and more effective, as the environment is calm, and medical staff are there to handle any side effects.
But when ketamine is used recreationally, the dose is often unknown, the setting is uncontrolled, additives mixed in ketamine may vary and there’s no medical help if something goes wrong. This increases the risk of accidents, addiction, and long-term health problems,” warns Dr Arun, advising consultation with a doctor and using ketamine or other drugs only under medical supervision.
[Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The recreational use of ketamine is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe addiction and long-term health damage. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please seek immediate help from a medical professional.]