12:04 PM PST -- Gerard's manager, Alan Siegel tells TMZ, "Gerard left Betty Ford early this morning and he's healthy."
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Gerard Butler is being treated for substance abuse at the Betty Ford Center ... TMZ has learned.
Butler's problems were triggered by the physical demands of shooting "300" in 2006 (see video below of Gerard preparing for the role). We're told the actor began struggling with pain management, and the problem became exacerbated while filming "Of Men and Mavericks," when Butler was badly hurt on December 18 during a surfing accident.
We're told Butler realized he was relying too much on prescription drugs and decided to head off a full-blown addiction by entering Betty Ford three weeks ago.
Sources tell TMZ ... Butler also developed issues with cocaine, but the root problem appears to be the injuries and pain management.
We're told Butler will be leaving Betty Ford later today.
Tolkien and Dickens grandsons join for book
A grandson of JRR Tolkien and a descendant of Charles Dickens are to collaborate on two new fantasy books for children.
Poet Michael Tolkien, the eldest grandson of the The Hobbit author, will write two novels based on stories his grandfather read to him as a child.
Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles, will narrate the audiobook versions.
Both works are due to be released later this year.
Publisher Thames River Press said the first book, Wish, was inspired by Florence Bone's 1923 story, The Rose-Coloured Wish.
It tells the story of two children who set out to use an evil enchanter's wishing chain of stones to save their alpine valley, only to fall into trouble.
Michael Tolkien was introduced to the tales in the 1940s and 1950s as a child, and he later read them to his own children.
He said he decided to pay tribute to the now-neglected tale and to "recreate the spirit of the original in new dress".
The second book, Rainbow, is based on Bone's 1910 novel, The Other Side of the Rainbow.
Dickens said: "Wish is a timeless story which children will enjoy for years to come. Michael Tolkien has brought it to life in narrative verse."