Most of us have seen the news and heard the speculation but we would like to focus on the fact that Matthew Perry was a self-professed advocate of breaking the stigma of addiction.
 
He was open, honest, and brave in speaking out, because, in his own words, he just wanted to help other people who are living with addiction. 

Over the years and throughout his many struggles, Matthew Perry pretty much became a spokesperson for addiction. In an interview with People Magazine in 2013, he said “When I was in big trouble, it was so public because I was on a TV show that 30 million people were watching. The fact that I’m on TV makes people listen a little bit more, so I take advantage of that from time to time.”

Friends has been a comfort blanket for many people, perhaps this is generational, but there was certainly a time where there was always a repeat on the telly, and if you were a Friends fan, you always knew what was going to happen next.

It was light-hearted, it was funny and sometimes ridiculous, and there’s no denying that it was popular.

However, in an interview about his book, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Matthew Perry said; “When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want helping people to be the first thing that’s mentioned”.

“The best thing about me, bar none, is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me?” “I can say yes and follow up and do it.”

In recent years, Matthew spoke proudly of his work in addiction recovery, and how he used his platform to urge people to seek help. He said, “When you’re having a bad day, the best thing you can do is call somebody and ask them how they’re doing and actually pay attention and listen to the answer to get out of your own head.’

Despite his own difficult personal journey, he put his resources, personal experience, and connections to good use. With the help of addiction specialist Earl Hightower, there was a period where Perry turned his Malibu mansion into a sober recovery home for men. The pair of them won many awards for their work with recovering addicts. “We’re award-winning alcoholics” He joked, in true Chandler Bing style.

We aren’t commenting on the speculation around how the late Matthew Perry died. Instead, we are choosing to take inspiration from his story, his life, and his urge to help others who live with addiction.

His personal journey was undeniably turbulent. It appears there were more hard times than good periods in his life. But with a little self-reflection, let’s be inspired by Matthew Perry and work to live a better life, and to help others. That is what recovery is ALL about.

If you’ve felt affected by Matthew Perry’s passing and it has struck a chord with you and you’d like to begin your recovery journey, reach out to us, we are here to help you.