Ben Affleck reveals he’s completed secret rehab stint for alcohol addiction – and praises wife Jennifer Garner for her support
The Batman actor posted a heartfelt message on Facebook to his fans to reveal his secret battle as an alcoholic
BEN Affleck has revealed he has just completed a secret stint in rehab for alcohol addiction.
The 44-year-old actor secretly checked into a facility to battle his demons over the past few weeks- the second time after a brief period in 2001.
In a heartfelt message on Facebook, he praised his wife Jennifer Garner and his family for their help and support, saying he was "lucky" to have them.
He wrote: "I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I've dealt with in the past and will continue to confront.
"I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. 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.
"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. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery."
Ben was last seen in public at this year's Oscars ceremony, and presented an award with long-time collaborator and pal, Matt Damon.
It is believed he checked into the facility shortly after the appearance.
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Fears for Ben's sobriety started back in June last year - where fans accused him of acting drunk during an intense interview with HBO programme Any Given Wednesday.
During the interview, the star dropped the F-bomb a staggering EIGHTEEN times as he spoke about American football, seemed to slur his speech and got angry as he defended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
The outbursts led to fans accusing him of "sweating vodka" - however there is no confirmation that he was actually drunk during the chat.
Ben had previously gone on record to discuss his previous issues with alcohol, and explained to in 2012: "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 added: "It was more a 'let me get myself straight,' before it became a rite of passage."
Due to his father also having an alcohol addiction, he also referred to the stint as a "pre-emptive strike" to prevent him heading down the same path.
News of the stars ongoing battle with sobriety comes just days after it was reported that he and wife Jennifer had called off their divorce after more than a year of separation.
The couple have three children together and are said to have agreed to work on their marriage for the sake of their family while still deciding whether or not to get back together.
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