Steven Tyler says it was hard but necessary to chronicle his prolific substance abuse issues in his new autobiography.

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"The world knows I'm a recovering drug addict and alcoholic," says the Aerosmith frontman and and "American Idol" judge, who has just published "Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir."

"I made no qualms about being a drug addict in the '80s and getting sober. I have an addictive personality. It's a daily process, and I've got to keep my eyes open. I don't want it to bite me in the ass. I've got to be careful."

Tyler's latest stint in rehab was in 2009 and early 2010, when he became addicted to painkillers following surgery to repair Morton's neuroma in his feet.

Besides the forthright accounts of his drug use, Tyler also writes about his time in Aerosmith and other musical ventures as well as his marriages and children, including actress daughter Liv Tyler.

The book was completed before this year's "Idol" season started so does not include any stories from the show.

Tyler releases a solo single, "(It) Feels So Good," May 10 and will resume working on a new Aerosmith album this summer. The group is booked to return to the road at the end of the year for concerts in Japan and South America.