Ben Affleck reveals heartbreaking truth about himself to shed light on issue
Ben Affleck has opened up about his secret struggle with alcohol addiction in a candid Facebook post, urging others to seek help if they need it. The Oscar winner reportedly checked himself in to rehab straight after the Oscars, two weeks ago.
“I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction, something I've dealt with in the past and will continue to confront,” he wrote. “I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step.”
Affleck also thanked ex-wife Jennifer Garner for her support, amid rumours the couple had chosen to call off their divorce, announced in 2015.
“I'm lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I've done the work I set out to do,” the heartfelt post reads. “This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery.”
The actor has battled alcohol abuse for more than 15 years. It’s believed he first entered rehab back in 2001 for one month. “I went to rehab for being 29 and partying too much and not having a lot of boundaries and to clear my head and try to get some idea of who I wanted to be,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was more a ‘let me get myself straight,’ before it became a rite of passage.”