MATTHEW PERRY PREEMPTIVE STRIKE: REHAB & TV SHOW AXED

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Former Friends star MATTHEW PERRY back in rehab – but not because he really needs to!

Perry, who has struggled with substance abuse in the past, is going away to “focus on my sobriety.”

Perry issued a statement explaining his sitch.

"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.”

RadarOnline.com says Perry hasn’t relapsed but planned the exit strategy trip “as a proactive measure.”

He has been in rehab twice previously for a prescription pill addiction for painkillers, in 1997 and  in 2001.

Interestingly, ABC canceled Perry's low rated series "Mr. Sunshine" today.