Alcoholism can affect anyone in any phase of life. If you need proof, look no further than Ben Affleck. The Oscar-winning actor and director has struggled with alcoholism for much of his life and recently opened up to The New York Times about his addiction, the challenges he faced, and ultimately, his recovery.
Relapse and Recovery
Affleck first entered rehab in 2001. He was sober for “a couple of years,” and maintained a regular relationship with alcohol for “about eight years” after that. During his marriage and divorce with Jennifer Garner, however, he began to drink more and more. Affleck describes his struggle:
“I started drinking every day. I’d come home from work and I’d start to drink and I’d just sit there and drink until I passed out on the couch.”
For Affleck, this behavior became “a vicious cycle,” and he was unable to break it without help. He entered rehab in 2017, achieved a year of sobriety, and went back again after a brief relapse in 2018.
“Relapse is embarrassing, obviously,” he told The New York Times, “I wish it didn’t happen. I really wish it wasn’t on the internet for my kids to see.”
Affleck cites his children as the biggest inspiration for his continued sobriety. He grew up with an alcoholic father and does not want to put his children through the same experience.
“[W]hat he’s taught me,” says Affleck, “is how important it is for me to be sober now during these formative years for my kids.”
Challenges and Continued Success
To address his troubled past and revive his career, Affleck recently worked on a sports drama called “The Way Back.” The film deals with both alcoholism and a crumbling marriage, 2 topics that Affleck is eerily familiar with.
“Regarding ‘The Way Back,’” Affleck said, “I found it very therapeutic.”
Ben Affleck is working hard to get his life and career back on track after struggling with alcohol use disorder. He is scheduled to star in a series of releases this year, including “Deep Water” with Ana de Armas, “The Last Thing He Wanted” on Netflix, and “The Last Duel” with Matt Damon.
We wish him continued success in his sobriety, and we hope his story inspires others who may be considering treatment.
Get Help Today
If you are struggling with alcoholism or another substance use disorder, The Carter Treatment Center can help. Our addiction treatment centers understand the challenges of recovery and combat substance use disorder from every angle.
Build your personalized treatment plan today and recover your possibility. All you need to do is call us at (678) 737-4430 or send us a message online.