Friends star Perry to enter rehab

Matthew Perry is to enter rehab to deal with his ongoing "sobriety" issues.

The former 'Friends' actor – who has previously dealt with substance abuse issues by checking into an in-patient facility in 1997 and 2001 – has not suffered a relapse, but intends to "go away" for some time to focus on himself.

He said in a statement: "I'm making plans to go away for a month to focus on my sobriety and to continue my life in recovery. Please enjoy making fun of me on the world wide web."

The 41-year-old star has not yet entered a facility but plans to do so soon.

Matthew first became addicted to painkillers following a jet skiing accident, and he confessed he was taking 20 to 30 pills a day before going to rehab in 1997.

After his initial recovery he was hospitalised with pancreatitis in 2000 due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a stay in the Promises Center in 2001.

Matthew currently stars in TV series 'Mr. Sunshine' – which he also co-created – which tells the tale of a man who begins to re-evaluate his life when he turns 40.