Rocker Billy Joel has returned to a rehabilitation clinic for treatment of alcohol abuse.

"Following a recent bout of severe gastro-intestinal distress, Billy Joel has checked himself into an undisclosed rehabilitation facility for treatment of alcohol abuse. Mr. Joel has asked that his privacy be respected," the Internet Media Database quoted his representative as saying.

The 54-year-old singer-cum-songwriter had checked into a New York hospital in February after experiencing severe gastric pains.

Joel had been hospitalised three other times as well in the past three years - twice for minor injuries sustained when his car crashed in Long Island, and once for rehabilitation at Connecticut's Silver Hill Hospital, a clinic specializing in drug and alcohol treatment.