Matthew Perry death: Inside Hollywood's ketamine obsession

Matthew Perry's death reveals Hollywood 's ketamine 'wild west' The actor was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi hours after a fatal dose of ketamine.

Five people were arrested in the probe - three of whom already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine in the actor's death.

Authorities said their investigation into Perry ’s death uncovered a “broad underground criminal network" of drug suppliers.

Dr Mahjoubi , who operates two ketamine clinics in California - including one in Los Angeles - said he's seen how ketamine has become a “go-to” party drug for celebrities, who think it is safer than something like cocaine laced with deadly drugs like fentanyl.

Another doctor who operates several pain management centres in the Los Angeles area called the spread of ketamine treatments the new “wild west”.

Dr Sanacora , who has studied and researched how ketamine can be used to treat depression, said there is a lot of evidence of the drug's efficacy.

Drug trials are currently underway testing the merits of ketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

Much is still not known about why it works, and it does come with risks, such as seizures and death.