That's really my concern about getting into Ruby -- the semantic clashes with perl syntax, as well as possible addiction.
Syntax might be a little bit confusing for a while, but it usually gets settled quite quickly. Besides, you always have samples (your old code) handy. Really there is not much worry.
As for "as well as possible addiction", why is it a problem? Doesn't matter whether it is Perl or Ruby, the one makes you an addict, is the best for you. When one person finds that Perl is the best, the other guy may feel comfortable with Ruby the most. You liked beer for quite a long time, suddenly one day you started to drink wine more and more. Beer is good, and wine is also good, enjoy whatever you like. Maybe one day you will come back to beer.