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 Mikki

Vote down Vote up Report this

I think his problem is that he wants to look like a woman with polished nails, makeup and earrings!

By Deborah

Steve looks a lot like his Mothers side of the family! She was...WoW in her day! I went through the pain pill thing too, and after 4 years the Doctor just said "NO MORE!" Good luck Steve you can do it! Long time no see! your cousin deb

By steve peeve

REHAB IS FOR QUITTERS! people quitting drugs are quitters people who quit smoking are quitters.

By HARRYD527

AEROSMITH ARE ROLLING STONE WANNABES

Thursday 31 December

By Tara

Aerosmith are an amazing, strong band and will always be my favourite. They do incredible concerts. I'm proud of Steven. Its tough going back to rehab especially in front of the whole world. Steven's strong and will succeed. Merry Christmas!

By scott

Way to go steve! It takes a man to admit he needs help then to go get it and to put yourself through the process. Joe hows that foot tasting?

By Dale

I'm glad to hear that Mr. Tyler made an honest assessment and owned up to who he was and what he needed to do. This isn't easy. I'll bet there are lots of people who would congratulate his failure and lots who would criticise his success. I am heartened to hear that he has the support of family and his band and I wish him godspeed in his recovery.

By The Martins

Another rightwingnut interjecting politics where it doesn't belong.

Thursday 24 December

By Cheryl Shuman

I had the honor of working with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith producing a public service announcement campaign for RADD. We met in Montreal and shot the video over a two day period. I've worked with hundreds of celebrities during my career, but Steven Tyler stands out of one of the most gracious and kindest to his fans. It was a thrill to work with a living icon. The live concert where he performed after we finished filming was truly the experience of a lifetime. I'm saddened to hear that he is having these issues and send healing prayers for a fast recovery and return to the stage.

Merry Christmas!
Cheryl Shuman
Beverly Hills, California

Wednesday 03 February

By Cindy Pettit

Robert, Steven only snorted half of Peru that's what he admited to.Steven has been in this hell before and got out He will do it again.

Thursday 04 February

By funkutron

Painkillers are just one of the many substances out there that make us feel much better. They should be sold over the counter. It's much safer to take narcotic painkillers than Tylenol, for instance, why as a matter of fact, they're thinking of banning the Tylenol in the paikillers that have it in there because it causes liver damage. Give me narcotics any day of the week. And to the fellow that said rock sucks since everyone went "straight", I totally agree. Sex, drugs, and Rock and Roll, baby, till we die!

Friday 30 July

By Ron

Won't watch American Idol if Steven Tyler is a judge.

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