Aaron Carter enters rehab

Aaron Carter has entered rehab.

The 23-year-old former 'Dancing with the Stars' contestant - who is the brother of Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter - entered a Southern California treatment centre earlier this month to deal with "emotional and spiritual" issues ahead of a planned relaunch of his music career, his manager Johnny Wright has confirmed.

In a statement, Johnny told E! Online: "Several months ago Aaron came to me to help him return to music and to restart his career. He has been in Orlando working on a new album and perfecting his live show and his physical body. Aaron, understanding the challenges and hard work it would take to get himself back to the top, requested to take some time before we started to heal some emotional and spiritual issues he was dealing with.

"Therefore he has chosen to enter a facility where he feels he will get the guidance and cleansing he needs that will help him on the music journey he's about to take. He asks that everyone keep him in their prayers and that they respect his privacy at this time."

This is not the first time Aaron has had difficulties in his personal life.

He was arrested in 2008 for investigation of marijuana possession, and in 2009 it was revealed he owed over $1 million in back taxes.

Despite his stint in rehab, Aaron - who has previously dated actresses Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Bynes - has managed to remain positive, tweeting about his brother Nick and penning inspirational messages for his fans.

The singer wrote: "I had a great day with my brother @NickCarter he always comes to bat for me when others believe someone else over me!"

He added: "Life Has Its up's & Downs, You Can Only Live & Learn. Never Lose Faith!! & Always Believe in Yourself! As I Am learning To Do Every day. (sic)"