Leighton Meester will never turn to drugs

The 24-year-old actress – who plays a beauty queen-turned-musician alongside a recovering addict singer portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow in ‘Country Strong’ – believes the support of her family and her strong commitment to her career will help her stay on the right path.

She explained: “I think the main problem with somebody who would have so many issues is that they don’t have love in their life, and I feel like working to me is important. I want to make my family proud and I love my family. That’s what gives me the strength to do it.

“I think that part of not having love, you kind of fulfil that with drugs or alcohol or any kind of addictive or abusive substance or relationship, and it will ruin you. I guess that the lesson is just ‘Don’t do drugs, just say no.’ ”

Leighton – who is best known for portraying Blair Waldorf in US TV drama series 'Gossip Girl' - would love to have someone to share her days with and doesn’t think she would ever have to sacrifice her career for the sake of her personal life.

She added to website JustJared.com: “In my eyes I don’t think you need to choose between love and success. I haven’t had to question that. I’ve just been working and not bothering with wondering if I need to choose. I love love and I think eventually I would like to have some, I welcome it.”