In this photo released by Hard Rock, Aerosmith members, from left: Joey Kramer, Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton, launch their first video game, 'Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.' (AP/Hard Rock, Diane Bondareff)

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer has penned a new book which chronicles his battles with substance abuse and bandmate Steven Tyler.

Kramer has spent the past four years recalling the highlights and low points of his life with writers William Patrick and Keith Garde for his new memoir, "Hit Hard: A Story of Hitting Rock Bottom at the Top."

The book, which hit stores on Tuesday, features a foreword by Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx and reveals just how tough life can be when you're part of a hard-living rock band.

Kramer tells Billboard.com that he hopes by sharing his experiences the book will help others struggling with substance abuse and psychological problems - but before releasing it he made sure that his revelations about his colourful frontman would not upset Tyler.

He says, "When I was trying to tell him about some of the stuff that was in the book, his comment was...'Hey, man, as long as it's the truth, I don't care.'"