Matthew Perry Taking a Timeout to Stay Sober

Actor describes it as a preventative measure to continue his "life in recovery"

Matthew Perry is acting as his own best friend.

The Mr. Sunshine star, who has battled substance abuse in years past, says he's taking a month off from showbiz to stay on top of his always-in-progress recovery.

So, where's he going to go?

Perry's not going to just tell us that, of course, but he has confirmed that he'll be out of commission for awhile.

"I'm making plans to go away for a month to focus on my sobriety and to continue my life in recovery," he said in a statement passed on by his rep. "Please enjoy making fun of me on the World Wide Web."

Aw, there's no need for anyone to do that, old chum.

Perry made at least two trips to rehab while shooting Friends, in 1997 and again in 2001, to combat prescription-pill addiction and alcohol abuse. During that time, his weight noticeably fluctuated and he suffered from pancreatitis in 2000, brought on by the damage inflicted on his insides by drinking and drugging.

We wish him a happy month off and hope he continues on the healthy track.