Steven Tyler Checks Into Rehab For Painkiller Addiction
Dec. 23 2009, Published 9:00 a.m. ET
RadarOnline.com has learned that musician Steven Tyler has checked himself into an undisclosed rehab facility for pain management and an addiction to painkillers resulting from 10 years of performance injuries.
People.com were the first to break the story, with a statement released by the Aerosmith lead singer that said, “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.
"I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith," he adds. "I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of."
His daughter, actress Liv Tyler says, "My family and I are in complete support of my dad's decision to seek treatment. He is a courageous man. 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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Tyler has suffered a plethora of injuries over the years that have left him with “severe chronic pain” and will require additional surgeries on his knees and feet, according to his physician, Dr. Brian McKeon, Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedics at Tufts School of Medicine.
"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," says McKeon, who also is team doctor for the Boston Celtics. "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 is no stranger to rehab, he checked into a facility in May 2008 and although rumors swirled that he was there to treat substance-abuse problems, Tyler, who claimed to have been sober since 1986, insisted it was to treat foot pain saying, “I really need a safe environment to recuperate.”