Ben Affleck out of rehab but says alcohol addiction is a 'lifelong struggle'
Now in outpatient care, the Hollywood star wrote on Instagram: "Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle."
Friday 5 October 2018 08:47, UK
Ben Affleck has completed a 40-day alcohol rehab programme, but said battling the addiction is a "lifelong and difficult struggle".
The Hollywood actor, who also underwent treatment in 2001 and 2017, wrote on Instagram that seeking help was a "sign of courage, not weakness or failure".
Affleck added that he now remains in outpatient care.
The 46-year-old wrote: "The support I have received from my family, colleagues and fans means more to me than I can say. It's given me the strength and support to speak about my illness with others.
"Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that one is never really in or out of treatment.
"It is a full-time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family."
The statement comes after actress Jennifer Garner, who Affleck separated from in 2015, was seen driving the actor to a treatment centre in Los Angeles in August. The pair have three children together.
Affleck, who rose to prominence when he won a screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting in 1997, has previously spoken of his family's struggles with alcohol addiction.
Last month, his brother - fellow actor Casey Affleck - said they had come from a long line of alcoholics.
He told Entertainment Tonight: "Ben is an addict and an alcoholic. Most of my grandparents are alcoholics.
"My father is an alcoholic, as bad as you can be, and he's been sober for about 30 years. I've been sober for about six years."