The toxic relationship between troubled stars and unscrupulous doctors: “Rules are not respected and tragedies happen”

The tragic death of the actor Matthew Perry shed light on the mysterious and toxic relationship between celebrities with addiction issues and the doctors who treat their addictions.

Perry, who had a long history of addiction, was found dead in the hot tub of his luxury Los Angeles home last year with extremely high levels of ketamine in his system.

“Perry became addicted while undergoing treatment for depression and turned to unscrupulous doctors when legitimate providers refused to increase his dosage,” the US Drug Enforcement Administration said.

Five people, including two doctors, are accused of supplying Perry with ketamine, the powerful sedative that caused his death.

The allegations against the doctor Salvador Placenciawho protests his innocence, and Mark Chavezwho pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine, are eerily reminiscent of other celebrity cases.

Conrad Murraythe doctor of MichaelJacksonwas convicted of manslaughter in 2011 for administering a lethal dose of a powerful anesthetic to the singer.

The tragic endings of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Prince and Tom Petty are related to lethal amounts of substances administered to them by medical personnel.

“When it comes to famous people, the rules are not followed, and that always leads to tragedy,” says Harry Nelson, a well-known Los Angeles attorney who specializes in such cases.

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Financial gain is often the primary motive. Palencia sold bottles of drugs to Perry that normally cost $12 and charged the actor a whopping $2,000. He once sent Chavez a message that said, “I wonder how much this sucker will pay… Let's find out.”

Attorney Harry Nelsonwho has personally been involved in more than a dozen “major tragedies” involving famous actors, rock stars and athletes, says the bigger picture is often more complicated.

Celebrities have a real need for privacy. Going to the doctor to get a prescription and then to the pharmacy to buy medicine is difficult for them, as they are often the target of the paparazzi. On the other hand, doctors are easily fascinated by being surrounded by world-famous stars and in order to “continue to hold this privileged role” they start doing what the celebrities want.

“But it is a trap. It is a trap for both the celebrity patient and the doctor,” the lawyer added.

“Ketamine parties”

The use of ketamine as a “party drug” was already very popular thirty years ago. The main reason? Its hallucinogenic effect.

“'Ketamine parties' were held in private homes throughout Los Angeles and were often attended by major celebrities. “There were several doctors who organized these so-called parties where they administered ketamine infusions to the guests,” says Nelson.

The Medical Commission took tough action against these doctors, imposed disciplinary measures and revoked their work permits.

“Today, the drug is used legally to treat depression. Southern California has become a center of private rehab clinics that offer complete privacy to celebrities and the super-rich,” says Nelson.

Criminal negligence

However, this medication can cause serious side effects including loss of consciousness and breathing problems and should only be used under medical supervision. Patients should be closely monitored.

Placencia sold bottles of ketamine to Perry's assistant for $6,000 in cash. The doctor met with the actor in the middle of the night a few weeks before his death, the indictment says.

“The idea of ​​allowing someone to take ketamine at home and get into a hot tub while under the influence is criminal and irresponsible,” the lawyer said.