Ben Affleck Gets Candid About His Alcoholism and the ‘Biggest Regret’ of His Life
Substance use issues might run deep in Ben Affleck’s family tree—but nonetheless, it wasn’t easy for the actor to admit he had a drinking problem.
“It took me a long time to fundamentally, deeply, without a hint of doubt, admit to myself that I am an alcoholic,” Ben Affleck told the New York Times in a recent interview, which is worth reading in full. “The next drink will not be different.”
Affleck’s father didn’t get sober until he was 19. His aunt was addicted to heroin, and both he and his brother, Casey, have dealt with drinking problems. Affleck himself has been to rehab three times, most recently in 2018. “Relapse is embarrassing, obviously,” he told the Times. “I wish it didn’t happen. I really wish it wasn’t on the internet for my kids to see. Jen and I did our best to address it and be honest.”