FRIENDS star MATTHEW PERRY, who is currently back in rehab after a self-destructive drink and drug binge, is telling friends his dad JOHN saved his life.

According to American tabloid THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER, it was John who persuaded the popular star to seek help for his addictions and John's constant phonecalls that kept Matthew from destruction. One pal says, "If it weren't for his dad, JOHN PERRY, Matt might not be alive and recovering today. "Matt told me, 'My dad saved my life. He stopped me from jumping off into the deep end. I didn't know where or who I was.'" Since he entered rehabilitation on February 24 (01), John has visited Matt everyday.

But friends say Matt, who has sent scriptwriters on his hit American TV sit-com FRIENDS in a panic as they try to find a way to write him out of the remaining episodes, still has a long way to go until he's fully recovered from his addictions.

One pal says, "Matt feels incredibly guilty. He's upbeat and positive about his recovery, but still very much a lost, confused soul. "Thank God he's got his dad there to help him find his way!" (LE/NE/CPT)

Source: WENN