In the glamorous world of Hollywood, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner stood out as a power couple, but behind the scenes, Affleck grappled with a growing drinking problem. The couple’s seemingly perfect life took a turn as Affleck’s marriage crumbled, leading to a reliance on alcohol to numb the pain.
Affleck’s struggle with alcohol came to a head during their 2015 separation, culminating in multiple rehab stints. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Affleck admitted, “The biggest regret of my life is this divorce.” His reliance on alcohol stemmed from the profound impact of the divorce on his children.
In 2020, Affleck opened up to ABC News about his journey through addiction and recovery. Reflecting on regrets, he expressed a desire to change the past but acknowledged the support of friends Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr., calling them “wonderful men.”
The actor attributed his alcoholism partly to a family history of addiction, with two alcoholic grandparents and his father. Alcohol became his coping mechanism, especially during the divorce, as he aimed to shield his children from pain.
Affleck emphasized the connection between mental health and sobriety, revealing struggles with depression and anxiety. Despite the challenges, he finds liberation in openness, acknowledging life’s blessings and struggles that shape his identity.
