Steven Tyler Admits Painkiller Addiction, Enters Rehab

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 23rd 2009 06:26AM

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has spent decades shouldering the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, and ten years of performance injuries have taken their toll. Tyler has entered a rehab facility for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers, PEOPLE reports. His actress daughter Liv Tyler says, "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."

Tyler's daughter adds, "My family and I are in complete support of my dad's decision to seek treatment. He is a courageous man."

Tyler, 61, suffers chronic pain as a result of numerous injuries, and will most likely require surgery on his knees and feet to correct the lingering issues. His physician, Dr. Brian McKeon, tells PEOPLE, "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."

The rock star, who battled drug addiction throughout the '70s and '80s, released a statement about his decision to enter rehab. "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," he writes. "I love Aerosmith; I love performing as the lead singer in Aerosmith. I am grateful for all of the support and love I am receiving and am committed to getting things taken care of."

Tyler also tried rehab in May of 2008. At the time, he announced that he checked in because he "really needed a safe environment to recuperate" from painful foot surgery. Tyler later admitted that what he really needed help with an addiction to the sleep and pain medications he was taking following the surgery.

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Musician Steven Tyler has entered a rehab facility for pain management and an addiction to prescription painkillers, with the support of his doctor and family.

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Tags: Aerosmith, liv tyler, LivTyler, steven tyler, StevenTyler

Comments

(72)

Wednesday 23 December

By George

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Rock On Steven.......

By hungry I

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Dude looks like a lady. Time to retire.

By bingbong

Oh, That's original.

By HAndersen

HAS BEEN! Who cares? Srsly, I agree with the other post--he looks like a bag lady. When you're 60 it's time to hang up the spandex, scarves, designer glasses and apparently, makeup.

By krsted

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Your post made me think of the song "Has Been" by William Shatner. It's on You Tube, you should check it out, HAndersen.... or should I call you Jack?

By Michelle

Addiction to painkillers is no joke...easy to get addicted to and so hard to stop. Good luck Mr. Tyler...we look forward to your return to Aerosmith.

By phurbee951

These folks have their own definition of courageous. What a joke.

By Angiebaby

Everything is going to be alright, Steven. I believe in you.

By Trizone

Now that's a revelation!

By Bigmo

"It sucks getting old".....!!!

By Jo

I was shocked and dismayed to read here about his addiction! Psyche! But no, seriously, anyone who is has had their head in the sand for decades!

By Erika

I'm glad Steven is finally making the right move and entering rehab. But I have to wonder, given his past and his personality in general, wasn't it almost a given that addictive pain killers were not the best idea? Get well, Steven, we'll all be waiting on ya when you get out!

By rob

get well soon bud the worlc misses you and needs you

By The Martins

suprised you pulled your head out of Becks ass long enough to post.

By Gina Waite

Thank you for so many years of great music and awesome shows. Saw your '09 tour in Massachusetts last Summer and you still rocked.

Best wishes for your recovery, Steven.

By Fran W.

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Have any of you even seen Aerosmith in concert.? If you had, you couldn't say they're not good. They are incredible. I've seen them 8 times. Once in a small venue. Steven gives all he has in every show. My whole family loves him - age range from 12 to 49. Every story I have heard over the years from people who have met him - always said he was genuine and down to earth. A real good guy. God Bless You Steve. Our family prays for your speedy recovery.

By Kelly

Love, support, & blessings, Steven. Hope to see you back on the road soon!

By mike edelman

having attended roosevelt high school with steven
then tallerico now tyler, I can only say that
he was always a talented and versatile musician
who made milions of people fans...his ability
to jump and hop into his sixties is an attestation
to his true physical abilities..good luck steven
and maybe we will get to see you one day at a reunion

By robert

they have not had a good album since toys in the attic they need to retire they suck just like the new lynrd skynrd

By S.A

What a Drag it is getting Old ... take it Mick ...& Steven Tyler

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