Matthew Perry, most famously known for his role as the comical character Chandler Bing in the 90’s show “Friends,” died at age 54 due to an alleged accidental drowning.
Matthew Perry’s death is considered a controversial topic as Perry struggled with long term addictions. In 1996, Perry was involved in a rogue jet ski accident resulting in excruciating pain. Because of this, he was prescribed Vicodin by a doctor. As medlineplus.gov states, “Hydrocodone can be habit forming, especially with prolonged use. Take hydrocodone exactly as directed. Do not take more of it, take it more often, or take it in a different way than directed by your doctor.” Perry, on the other hand, abused this prescribed medication and grew an addiction.
Vicodin is very addictive especially towards those with a history of addiction. As gratitudelodge.com states, “Vicodin addiction can develop rapidly due to the hydrocodone content of this potent opioid painkiller.” Because of this, it is crucial to follow the dosages as instructed to prevent an addiction from forming. Instead of following these instructions, “He eventually was taking up to 55 pills per day, he wrote, which resulted in his significant weight loss that was visible on ‘Friends,’” cnn.com states. Obviously, taking 55 pills a day is very unhealthy and will lead to serious consequences.
As a result of his addictions, in 2019 Perry’s colon ruptured, sending him into a coma for two weeks. After he awoke, he was hospitalized for five months to ensure his safety. In addition to Vicodin, Perry experienced addictions to alcohol. As rollingstone.com states, “Perry started drinking at 14, an experience he described as more like getting normal, and by the time he was 18, he was drinking every day.” Perry’s addiction grew as he aged, causing him to die young.
This behavior is obviously unhealthy and will lead to serious complications. As he got older, his alcoholism only got worse. As cnn.com states, “He attended 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and entered rehab 15 times.” As a result of his alcohol abuse, he was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Because of this, he was prescribed Dilaudid which only worsened his addictions.
Matthew Perry was handed a horrendous mix of addictive substances which caused him to live an unhealthy life. Perry’s addiction was so bad that one of Perry’s cast members and colleague, Jennifer Aniston, allegedly stated, “We can smell it,” (theguardian.com) which shows just how intoxicated he was during the filming and production of “Friends”.
WIth addiction grows tolerance. What started off as an innocent painkiller turned into a death sentence. Perry’s addiction got progressively worse throughout his life, leading to him dying in his prime. As theguardian.com states, “I remember thinking, If this doesn’t kill me, I’m doing this again.” This shows just how relentless Perry’s addiction was.
Matthew Perry used his knowledge for good after overcoming his addictions. Once he got clean and recovered, Perry transformed his home in Malibu, California into a men’s rehabilitation center to help addicts recover. As myrecovery.com states, “The sober Friends actor hopes to help other addicts navigate the bumpy road after rehab.” This shows that Perry wanted to help people recover as he once did.
Matthew Perry is known for impacting the lives of fans. Perry gave people a distraction from the cruelty of life. Additionally, Perry worked hard to make people laugh and feel less alone during hard times.
(cnn.com) Before his death, Matthew Perry wrote a memoir containing the highs and lows of his life. In this memoir, he talks about addiction, relationships, and gives behind the scenes stories from when he was on set. Perry was an open book who openly shared his trials and tribulations.
