Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Checks into Drug Rehab

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler has checked into a drug rehab facility for an addiction to pain medications – his second stay in rehab within 2 years.

He released a statement saying, "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 band mates.” Tyler suffers from chronic pain stemming from orthopedic damage suffered largely through performance injuries.

Dr. Brian McKeon, a doctor who has treated the singer for his orthopedic injuries, said that Tyler has suffered through serious pain for more than 10 years and that he still required a serious of knee and feet operations. McKeon said, “Managing and controlling his pain has been challenging and despite our use of alternative therapies… 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.”

Tyler’s entry into rehab seems to end-cap a publically waged band-wide feud over the singer’s future intentions and lack of sobriety. The band was forced to cancel a summer tour after Tyler injured himself after falling off stage; leading guitarist Brad Whitford to suggest to reporters that their front man was once again likely abusing drugs. In November, Tyler told band mates that he would be working exclusively on solo projects for the next 2 years – which led to the rest of the band announcing a search for a replacement lead singer.

Tyler now says reports of his planned departure from the band are untrue, saying, “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.”