It seems that Ben Affleck has been back battling some old demons. In a statement posted to Facebook this afternoon, he disclosed that he had recently completed a trip to rehab for alcohol abuse. “I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront,†wrote Affleck. “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.â€
Affleck, who is 44, previously entered rehab in 2001 for alcohol-related issues, which he discussed with The Hollywood Reporter 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.†Perhaps the move away from the director’s chair for Warner Bros.’s Batman was made in connection with a desire to focus on his personal life and recovery. Affleck remains separated, but not yet officially divorced, from his wife, Jennifer Garner.