Leonardo Dicaprio has never been tempted to try drugs.

The 39-year-old actor - who grew up in Los Angeles - admits he's never been swayed into the path of illegal substances, like many stars in the public eye, because he'd watched from a young age how they can cause pain in users' lives.

He is quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying: ''I'd seen all the hedonism and insanity of the world of drugs. I grew up in a hardcore neighbourhood. Then coming to Hollywood and actually starting to make a career, you see the stuff around you and you're like, 'I saw this at age seven'. It's never really been a problem for me.''

The 'Wolf of Wall Street' star is hotly tipped to receive an Academy Award for his portrayal of American businessman Jordan Belfort in the biographical black comedy film, but he insists he's not taking it too seriously yet.

He explained: ''I realised long ago you can't control what people think is worthy of an award. That's so beyond your control. It's something one shouldn't even attempt to manipulate, because, if you do, that's transparent. I have no idea [how I'll get on], I really don't.''

Meanwhile, Leonardo has decided to take a ''long break'' from acting after the promotion for 'Wolf of Wall Street' has finished because he feels exhausted.

He said ''I have done three films in two years. I am most certainly drained now. I will now take a long break before I come back.''