Profiles Of Addiction | Matthew Perry

*UPDATE: On October 28, 2023, Friends star, Matthew Perry tragically succumbed to a fatal incident in his hot tub, leading to his untimely demise. The discovery of his lifeless body in the hot tub pointed to an apparent drowning, a result of the synergistic impact of Ketamine and prescription benzodiazepines, compounded by the presence of underlying coronary heart disease. Perry’s passing was officially confirmed, marking the end of his journey.

Perry struggled with alcohol addiction from the age of 18. He also suffered from a Vicodin addiction starting in his late 20s.

The Hollywood star discussed his long-term health struggles in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing, as well as in various interviews with news outlets and podcasts.

Over the years, Perry’s health struggles have included pancreatitis caused by alcohol abuse, multiple stints in rehab, and a gastrointestinal perforation from years of opioid use.

Alcohol & Opioids

According to the Friends star himself, Perry was drinking alcohol every day when he was only 18 years old. His heavy drinking continued before and during his defining role as Chandler Bing on the 90s sitcom Friends.

Vicodin

Perry was injured on the set of the 1997 movie Fools Rush In, and was prescribed the opioid painkiller Vicodin. He described his first time taking Vicodin as “honey” entering his veins, and his newfound Vicodin addiction only added to his health problems.

Perry was taking over 55 Vicodin daily at one point during the airing of Friends. 

He weighed only 128 pounds at this time. Though his co-stars, including Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, were aware of Perry’s struggles, he credits his co-stars for their constant support during filming.

Friends Intervention

Perry’s recovery from polysubstance abuse included many health issues and obstacles. 

Though Perry hid his drug and alcohol addiction from the public while Friends was airing, at one point his Friends co-stars and production crew held an intervention for Perry in the dressing room.

Hospital Stays & Recovery Efforts

In 2000, Perry was hospitalized for pancreatitis caused by alcohol abuse. He detoxed from alcohol after his release, which included his return to the Friends cast. Perry’s last public case of recovery happened in 2011.

In 2018, Perry’s colon burst as a result of decades of opioid abuse. Doctors said he had about a 2 percent chance of surviving after he was put on assisted breathing. Although he successfully recovered over 5 months later, he had to use a colostomy bag for 9 months.

Did Matthew Perry Go To Rehab?

Matthew Perry has told interviewers that he has entered detox 65 times, gone to rehab about 15 times, and undergone 14 surgeries over the course of his life. His first attempt to enter a rehab center happened in 1997, and only lasted for a short time.

In the following years, Perry sometimes paused filming to seek help, such as his time in a rehab center while filming 2001’s Serving Sara.

Recovery Is Possible

Matthew Perry’s journey to get sober included significant health scares and attempts to seek help. If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, help is out there for you. 

To learn how our addiction treatment services make recovery possible for you and your loved one, please contact us today.