Steven TylerAerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler has entered rehab to treat an addiction to prescription painkillers, reports rollingstone.com.

“With the help of my family and team of medical professionals I am taking responsibility for the management of my pain and am eager to be back on the stage and in the recording studio with my bandmates Joe Perry, Joey Kramer, Tom Hamilton and Brad Whitford,” Tyler said in a statement.

Tyler also cleared up some rumors which stated that he was going to take a two-year break from the band.

“I wish to set the record straight and say that I have read reports of a rumored two-year hiatus and want to be clear that this is completely false and I will enthusiastically be writing, recording and performing with Aerosmith as soon as things are handled.”

In early August, Tyler fell off the stage during a show in South Dakota, forcing the band to cancel the remainder of its summer tour. In November, Tyler’s bandmate Brad Whitford told Rolling Stone he thought Tyler didn’t “act like a sober person,” adding that “I’m not hanging with the guy, but his history of drug abuse is well documented.”

The 61-year-old rock singer last entered rehab in May, 2008 to deal with pain caused by foot surgery.

“Over the past 10 years, Steven Tyler has suffered orthopedic injuries and has been in severe chronic pain which will require further surgeries on his knees and feet,” said Dr. Brian McKeon, a physician from the New England Baptist Hospital who has treated Tyler. “Managing and controlling his pain has been challenging and despite our use of alternative therapies and the creation of custom shoes built by a team of engineers from Timberland, Steven’s pain has progressed. The balance between managing his pain and avoiding addiction is tenuous and difficult and his bravery in persevering through rigorous touring is admirable. As with many athletes, Steven put his performance first as he struggled with acute pain for years.”

Tyler’s daughter, actor Liv Tyler, also issued a statement showing support for her dad. “He is a courageous man,” she said. “We love him and are so proud that he is getting help to balance his pain management, not just for himself but for his family, friends and fans.”






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