Friends blame gal pal for Tyler's relapse

BOSTON, May 22 (UPI) -- Sources close to Steven Tyler say the U.S. rocker's stormy relationship with his girlfriend may be to blame for his recent trip to drug rehab.

TMZ.com reported Wednesday that the Aerosmith frontman had checked himself into the Pasadena facility where the reality show "Celebrity Rehab" was shot.

The Boston Herald Thursday said Tyler's friends are saying his relationship with Erin Brady, his on-again off-again girlfriend of two years, may be part of his relapse into substance abuse.

Other sources close to the 60-year-old Boston native said they think the recording artist's various health issues in recent years may have led to a dependence on painkillers.

"He's had throat surgeries, a long bout with hep(atitis) C and two foot surgeries," one friend told the Herald. "He's been in a lot of pain. And she's a party girl. Not a good combination."