Celebrities like Matthew Perry, Chrissy Teigen, and Sharon Osbourne have been open about their experiences with ketamine infusion therapy to help treat mental health conditions. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects that has been used as a party drug for years but is also approved for medical use in injectable and nasal spray forms. Despite the lack of research and regulation surrounding ketamine therapy, its popularity has been on the rise in recent years.
Chrissy Teigen shared her experience with ketamine therapy in December 2023, revealing that she celebrated her birthday by undergoing the treatment and seeing visions of her late son, Jack. Matthew Perry, who detailed his ketamine therapy in his memoir, ultimately denounced its use, describing it as a temporary escape with a rough hangover. Unfortunately, Perry passed away in October 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine, leading to arrests in connection with his death.
Dr. Gerard Sanacora, a psychiatry professor at Yale School of Medicine, believes that ketamine therapy can be beneficial for certain individuals with severe mood disorders and psychiatric illnesses. However, he emphasizes the importance of using the substance responsibly due to its unique set of risks. Sharon Osbourne also spoke about using ketamine therapy to overcome depression and anxiety following her departure from The Talk in 2021.
Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and educator at Massachusetts General Hospital, discussed the pros and cons of ketamine use for treatment-resistant depression, highlighting the importance of consulting with a doctor before considering the treatment. Other celebrities like Halsey, Elon Musk, Lamar Odom, and Tyler Baltierra have also shared their experiences with ketamine therapy for various mental health issues.
Overall, while ketamine therapy may offer relief for some individuals struggling with mental health conditions, it is essential to approach it with caution and under the guidance of medical professionals. The stories of these celebrities shed light on the potential benefits and risks associated with ketamine therapy, emphasizing the need for further research and regulation in this area.
