Stand-up comedy legend George Carlin said Monday that he is entering a rehab clinic. The voluntary entry is to treat his alcohol and painkiller abuse.

“I’m going into rehab because I use too much wine and Vicodin. No one told me I needed this; I recognized the problem and took the step myself,” he said.

“My levels of use are nowhere near the worst you hear about these days; I could easily have continued functioning at a good level…for awhile. But my use would have progressed, I would have been in deeper trouble, and I didn’t want to tolerate that. I’ve never been in rehab before and I know it isn’t easy, but I’m highly motivated, and will do whatever’s needed.”

Carlin said he will resume his touring schedule shortly after he gets out, though did not say how long he intends to be in the rehabilitation centre for.

In recent weeks, he was touring the U.S. to promote his new book, “When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?” He had no tour dates planned except for dates in Las Vegas in February.

Carlin entered a treatment centre on Monday, his agent told Reuters. He did not say where the centre is located.

Carlin is best known for his stand-up routine involving his “seven dirty words.” Last year, he was named by Comedy Central as the second best stand-up comedian of all time, behind Richard Pryor. He rarely acts, but appeared in the bust “Jersey Girl” playing a father.






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