Two weeks after going into rehab for alcohol and drugs, Metallica frontman James Hetfield says he's drawing inspiration and encouragement from fans.

The singer/guitarist issued a brief statement on the band's official fan-club Web site, www.metclub.com.

"It took a lot for me to admit to my problems," said Hetfield of his decision to seek treatment. "It's a great feeling to have the support and comfort for me as a person from all the friends I've made out there. Thanks very much, it means a lot."

On July 19, Metallica announced that Hetfield had entered an undisclosed treatment facility (see [article id="1445291"]"Metallica Frontman James Hetfield Enters Rehab"[/article]) and immediately postponed all band activities, including recording sessions for the group's eighth studio album and a July 29 launch party for Metallica.com.

Management would not comment on Hetfield's rehab progress or predict when he might rejoin his bandmates.