Actor and author Matthew Perry: On his addiction journey

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Жыл бұрын

Elizabeth Vargas sits down with actor Matthew Perry for an emotional conversation recorded during his book tour for his bestselling book, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Matthew shares an incredibly honest, inside look at his decades-long struggle with an alcohol and substance use disorder. Despite his wildly successful career, things were not as perfect for Matthew as they appeared: he has been to 14 treatment centers, 65 detox centers, has spent over $9 million on his recovery and admitted that at one point he had a 2% chance of living.
Join Matthew and Elizabeth for the season three finale of “Heart of the Matter,” as they discuss his addiction journey, how his “Friends” co-stars supported him during his darkest days and what advice he’d give to those with addiction.
Related reading: After you listen, explore these resources from Partnership to End Addiction to learn more about the topics and themes discussed in this episode: 
Frequent Questions & Common Misconceptions About Underage Drinking
drugfree.org/article/frequent...
When Your Child Sees Substance Use as an Answer, Not a Problem
drugfree.org/article/substanc...
Suggesting Treatment to a Loved One
drugfree.org/article/suggesti...
Subscribe to Partnership to End Addiction: bit.ly/SubcribeToEndAddiction
About Partnership to End Addiction:
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. For more information, visit drugfree.org.
Connect with us: drugfree.org
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#LetsEndAddiction
Actor and author Matthew Perry: On his addiction journey | Partnership to End Addiction

Пікірлер: 68

@LweissTTU 9 ай бұрын

I find it so tragic that a man, who worked so hard to stay sober, and helped so many people by sharing his struggle, died yesterday. Condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the globe

@mer369 8 ай бұрын

Listening to this after he passed away. So sad when they talk about how he’ll now be able to flourish and he just didn’t get enough time 😞

@kathleenl.7125 Жыл бұрын

I didn't appreciate what a great actor Perry is until I read his book. To be able to perform as he did while suffering so much is amazing.

@karenpower1643 Жыл бұрын

It's very interesting to hear two recovering alcoholics discuss their disease

@todiann27 Жыл бұрын

Just finished the book. I'm awestruck at his survival from this terrible disease. I wish him the best, and to let him know so many of us are so proud of him.

@lorraineb.4698 8 ай бұрын

So sorry and sad he is gone.

@chrisyore3233 Жыл бұрын

I have 36 years in my program and when I LISTEN to recovering people my connection with the person speaking is as deep as their truthfulness and I feel you are my brother. Live your new life well …God Bless

@FatimaSorianoOfficial Жыл бұрын

So grateful that this conversation got recorded. Keep it up, Matthew! We are inspired by you. You have our love, support, and prayers with you!

@jillkrause9750 8 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@sharonrockwell-ruffin3575 8 ай бұрын

Thank you Elizabeth and Matthew Perry… RIP Matthew ❤

@annap1191 Жыл бұрын

Writing about traumatic experiences is great therapy

@rburns9248 8 ай бұрын

It made me sad after he said, "My life is going to flourish" when he was asked, 'whats next? RIP Matthew. God had another plan.

@christinecolborne7939 8 ай бұрын

That was sad.. not fair he didn't get to flourish for long. And finish his projects and continue helping people

@luciabitonte8276 8 ай бұрын

Già...purtroppo

@luciabitonte8276 8 ай бұрын

@@christinecolborne7939D'accordo con te...che rabbia

@christinestudley3982 8 ай бұрын

Great job Elizabeth, been there myself RIP Matthew ❤️

@susanstranahan21 Жыл бұрын

So proud of my favorite "friend". My daughter is 2.5 years clean so I've seen the struggle first hand. Keep up the good work Matthew.

@gregpalumbo2503 Жыл бұрын

Susan - Godspeed to perfect health and sobriety for your Daughter.

@CH-rz1js 13 күн бұрын

I read Mattew's book shortly after he died. I felt so bad for him because I felt some of those feelings he felt and lived some of the ways he did. God bless him for trying to get sober and for staying sober for as long as he did. He was a true champion. Your podcast is remarkable Elizabeth and I thank you for helping us.

@lorraineb.4698 8 ай бұрын

Great interview!❤ RIP Matthew.

@hollygill1839 Жыл бұрын

Never give up.

@josephgrumet Жыл бұрын

I noticed as a young man watching friends he was in trouble by his appearance thank god He was given another chance at life because 1 he’s a good guy 2 he’s talented and funny 3 he’s honest 4 he’s a real hard core addict and the money and fame should could have killed him quicker as it has! So so so many good people! Also the lack of quality critical care for the ones who can’t afford it often go through it in a jail cell or a subpar facility with best intentions! Very complicated stuff for complicated people making it the ultimate challenge to survive

@noneofurbusiness5223 Жыл бұрын

As a compulsive over eater some of us read the Big Book. Another book that was very helpful when I had a lot of anxiety about the future was CAME TO BELIEVE.

@dtschuor459 8 ай бұрын

I really feel for those with food addiction/compulsive eating. As a person in recovery, I can make it through a bad day as long as I don’t use. Food, though? Now you have to learn to actually control the substance of your choice…I mean, you can’t just quit your relationship with the need for food. Much love to you and your continued success. 💜☮️

@bettinadanielsen6348 8 ай бұрын

What a remarkable person he was.

@philc4520 Жыл бұрын

It is life & death literally. My experience too as an alcoholic. In recovery now for nearly 10 years sober. Alcohol is the symptomatic medication. The root or underlying cause is a dysfunctional psychosis of the personality. It is complex & deep rooted in the subconscious psyche.

@josephgrumet Жыл бұрын

Congratulations 1 day at a time friend! You inspire me

@gregpalumbo2503 Жыл бұрын

- it really is the symptomatic poison...

@natlyfranks6856 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU I AM NOT A THREE HEADED MONSTER, I AM ADDICTED.

@GenerationXChick 9 ай бұрын

RIP

@Wildrover82 8 ай бұрын

Poor guy. Life's a bitch. R.I.P.

@LoveWinsMovement Жыл бұрын

Don't give up !!!

@MS-bs8dd Жыл бұрын

❤ really appreciated

@sbeck2639 Жыл бұрын

My favorite friend!

@SabinaOceanblueStyle Ай бұрын

So terribly sad, love his creativity , wit and acting skills.I have been doing a lot of research on him, he seems to have also been addicted to adrenaline kicks from an early age. Risking his and other people's life. Painful to accept. He should have gotten early on but didn't 😢❤

@002lisamarie 7 ай бұрын

Love you Matthew xx

@paprgl Жыл бұрын

Sad the audio is so terrible.

@waldosgrade Жыл бұрын

Matthew - I hope you channel your talents into some good acting gigs. Happy Holidays§!

@truthheals6790 Жыл бұрын

"Step 11....." Anonymous: - To us, however, it represents far more than a sound public relations policy. It is more than a denial of self-seeking. This Tradition is a constant and practical reminder that personal ambition has no place in A.A. In it, each member becomes an active guardian of our Fellowship.

@ImaCatMaia Жыл бұрын

I wish the elephant in the room was talked about - we'll never end addiction without universal healthcare. Never. Even with a corporatized health system we don't even have enough beds...and the addicts who can't afford the available beds that are emptied and filled the same day - they're not even an afterthought for most of these treatment facilities.

@noneofurbusiness5223 Жыл бұрын

I don't disagree about need for universal health care. But there are alcoholics in countries w/universal health care.

@kochaos6129 Жыл бұрын

You shouldn't generally hear recovering addicts talk about what is lacking in the system. That conversation is hugely important, but it is for another forum because it is irrelevant and counter-productive to the addict's mission--to find ways to help people TODAY with the tools available.

@hlowrylong Жыл бұрын

This is garbage. Free healthcare will lead to scarcity, it always does. Besides we have quasi-govt controlled healthcare in the US, and it is a failure.

@mrfake675 Жыл бұрын

It's bigger then that. It's both a medical and spiritual problem.

@lochnessmunster1189 10 ай бұрын

Here in the UK, we have "universal healthcare" (it isn't really, because the care varies enormously from hospital to hospital) and it isn't very good at ending addiction. You only need to look at cities like Glasgow to see this.

@robertheymann5906 Жыл бұрын

Well said brother

@smarinelli19 8 ай бұрын

💔 RIP

@mahrokhzargari5265 8 ай бұрын

😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

@aleksik4028 8 ай бұрын

Its nice that audience have such a good time on this topic.... ha ha haaa

@jayceewriter7826 Жыл бұрын

Could he BE any sober?!?! Good luck w it, we need your humor.

@susan-7865 9 ай бұрын

Did almost the same thing

@susan-7865 9 ай бұрын

Interesting. When I wrote my YA novel "Virgin" on my phone a year ago. I thought it would be faster too. Turned out, it didn't work it was a mess.

@gerlinderosensteiner8250 Жыл бұрын

What's the laughs about??

@richiekock8835 8 ай бұрын

My social drinking exceeds 25 years and I always stayed in the 1st phase: magic!!, with the occasional puking once every other year or so :)

@crocusgal3950 7 ай бұрын

What is social drinking for you? And what happens once a year when you puke? I mean what’s that context? Just saying not all people with potential problems with alcohol are noticeable drunks.

@johnkeir4139 7 ай бұрын

Hope you are a medic? You drink normally like the rest of us ..?wait until there are to many Things that happen to you . As a nurse my heart breaks for many people WHO USED TO DRINK NORMALLY . HUMILITY is a place to start your education. Margaret

@emjo3669 8 ай бұрын

🤍

@Sourpusscandy 3 ай бұрын

And then the shot did him in.

@My2CentsYall 6 ай бұрын

@My2CentsYall 1 year ago (edited) I know how to respond to this interview. Matthew Perry is in NO SHAPE to help anyone with addiction right now NONE. He needs all the HE can get. Counsellor are hard to come by because they have had YEARS of stability even when they screw up they are right back to the meetings. MY point is its LONG CONSISTENCY and Matthew does not have it. He is very inconsistent on and off short period of relapse. My advice do not take any advice from him. His track record is not so good and NOR does she ask him about it either. He never attended NA or AA. He was never serious about treatment. As I said i doubt the man had a year off substances his adult life. You need to attend support group a majority of people cant make it without one.

@kevinbirmingham8629 Жыл бұрын

Just.....don't do....drugs....it's not that complicated. Seriously?!

@paulabillanes5084 8 ай бұрын

It's not that simple.

@crocusgal3950 7 ай бұрын

A person who does not have the disease might have an inability to understand why making that choice not to use is so difficult. Just don’t let yourself become blind to the truth that addicts are telling

@ckotcher1 6 ай бұрын

Dear Matt, i’m at my lowest ebb. 😢 i’m sorry your gone 💔😞 But i’m glad your demons are at rest ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼. Thank you for sharing your gifts, your sense of humor, but most of all, your pain. Thank you for NOT doing what “nurse f_ckface” , the cold Dr’s, the so called “know it all’s” did which is patronize. I can hear the compassion in your words. Thank you for your honesty and not to sugar coat or omit like so many other celebrity “authors and ‘addicts’” I said“ because it takes one to no one and mostly what I hear from so many of these memoirs are unrelatable and just an easy cash grab. I wish I could’ve known you RIP friend.