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Like many others, Shaun Hedden turned to Friends on a sleepless Saturday night. Growing up watching the show, he developed a deep admiration for Matthew Perry, both for his comedic timing and his personal experience with substance addiction. When Perry tragically passed away at the age of 54, it devastated Hedden.
“I always wanted to meet him in person and express my gratitude for his book that helped me stay sober,” Hedden shared with The Independent.
For twenty years, Perry openly discussed his struggles with substance use disorder and dedicated himself to helping others in their recovery journeys. Since his death, fans have shared a compilation of Perry’s quotes online, highlighting his desire to be remembered for his work in destigmatizing addiction rather than just his role on Friends.
In a 2015 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Perry stated, “I’ve had ups and downs in my life and achieved many great things, but the best part about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and asks for help, I can say, ‘Yes. I know how to do that.'”
Perry’s candid memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, released in 2022, delved into his journey of sobriety and relapses. “I wanted to share my story when I felt secure in my recovery and away from the dark side. And most importantly, I hoped it would help others,” Perry explained to People magazine prior to the book’s release.
For Mr Hedden, who has been sober since 2006, reading Perry’s memoir during a challenging period in his recovery was a turning point. It motivated him to continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and working on personal growth.
“The openness and honesty of Perry’s words truly impacted me,” Hedden shared.
He’s not the only one. Numerous fans have shared stories online of Perry’s transparency and how it has helped them on their own journey. One anonymous woman, who had recently experienced an overdose and subsequent hospitalization, found solace in Perry’s book.
“When I was admitted, I initially felt so different from others who were there. I have a degree, a job, and I’m respected in the community – I simply made a mistake,” she explained. A friend gave her Perry’s memoir, knowing her love for Friends, and reading it while recovering in the hospital made her feel seen and understood.
In particular, Perry’s discussions on relapse, a taboo topic within recovery, resonated with her. She admitted that the constant reminders about the possibility of relapse felt like a self-fulfilling prophecy until she read Perry’s book. Seeing someone who consistently got back up after setbacks provided her with reassurance and healing.
Perry’s impact extended beyond his memoir. In 2013, he transformed one of his Malibu homes into Perry House, a sober living facility for men, and advocated for non-violent drug offenders to receive treatment instead of incarceration. William C Moyers, Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations for Hazelden Betty Ford, praised Perry for his authentic portrayal of addiction and transformation.
“Perry’s legacy lies in his recovery and how he turned his struggles into inspiration for others. He showed us the importance of never giving up and taking recovery one day at a time,” Mr Moyers said.
Perry’s advocacy efforts in addiction recovery also earned him recognition from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Phoenix House, a treatment center. He passionately argued for drug courts and highlighted the need for treatment over punishment. Phoenix House acknowledged Perry’s impact by presenting him with the Phoenix Rising Award.
Following Perry’s passing, Alice Gleghorn, CEO of Phoenix House California, emphasized the importance of his advocacy work in the face of addiction stigma. She called his death a significant loss for the recovery community and praised his courage in openly sharing his journey.
Perry’s influence is undeniable. The day after his death, he was the topic of discussion in Hedden’s AA meeting. “In Alcoholics Anonymous, we are taught to extend help wherever addiction strikes. I wish I could have personally thanked Matt for helping me,” Hedden expressed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, remember that help and support are available. Reach out confidentially to Frank by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email, or visiting their website. In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP.
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