If you know much about the famous actor Ben Affleck, you probably also know about his troubled past with alcohol. Ben Affleck’s alcoholism is something the star has discussed in many interviews in the past. However, a trending headline was recently splashed over many tabloids: “Ben Affleck wishes his sobriety was anonymous.” Keep reading to learn more about why Affleck wishes his time in Alcoholics Anonymous was, in fact, anonymous.
An Overview of Ben Affleck’s Alcoholism Struggles
By his own admission, Ben Affleck was an alcoholic at one point in his life. Several members of his family have struggled with substance abuse, including two grandparents and his father, uncle and brother.
He once shared in an interview that his dad “drank all day, every day, and to his credit, he got sober ultimately.”
Sadly, alcohol addiction can be hereditary, so it’s no surprise the actor struggled with it.
Affleck wrestled with his addiction and initially became sober in his mid-20s. He stated in a 1998 interview, “I just wanted to stop. I started regretting some things I did when I was drunk. It’s funny to be obnoxious or out of control, but then it’s like, ‘I think I hurt that person’s feelings’, ‘I made a fool of myself’ or ‘I didn’t want to kiss that girl.’ I have almost no inhibitions, so it’s dangerous for me.”
However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the actor went to a rehabilitation center for his alcoholism. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last time. He’s had trips to rehab in 2017, 2018, and 2019. At one point, his two daughters and ex-wife had to stage an intervention to beg him to get help.
Affleck is very aware that his genetics play a role in his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He once said, “The legacy of that is quite powerful and something that’s hard to shake.”
It’s presumed that the actor has been sober since his last relapse in 2019, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Dealing With Addiction in the Public Eye
Going through the challenges of substance abuse is difficult enough, but celebrities have to do it in the public eye, where their every move or slip-up is scrutinized.
This has been particularly challenging for Affleck. For example, his 2019 relapse was photographed for everyone to see. After celebrating a year of sobriety, Ben Affleck was drunk. He was seen leaving a Halloween party visibly intoxicated. The photos were quickly published, and his relapse became a headline.
When reflecting on this moment, the actor said he was embarrassed that it had all become so public. Affleck shared, “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.”
In a 2025 interview with GQ, the actor stated that he partially regrets being so candid about his alcoholism. “I didn’t have any ambitions to be the national spokesman for recovering alcoholics. And not because I have any shame with it or anything. I just find that I’ve been sober for more than 5 years. It’s just not something that’s at the forefront of my mind. … If I could have, I would’ve kept the fact that I’m sober anonymous, because I think it works better that way. And I didn’t ask for that to become something people knew about.”
The Importance of Speaking Up
It’s easy to understand that Affleck has reservations about his substance abuse being such a publicized topic. Whenever he leaves an event, tabloid photographers hope to get a picture of him experiencing a relapse. His children have to see the photos, headlines and speculations online about his sobriety.
Still, hopefully, the actor can see the good in his story being shared. Celebrities have huge platforms, and what they say and do reaches thousands of people. Affleck’s story highlights many important messages about substance abuse and addiction.
First, it helps end the stigma around substance abuse. By talking about his experiences, he’s sharing with the world that it’s okay to discuss this topic without fear of judgment or disapproval.
Next, Affleck’s family is an example of the power of treatment. His father went to Alcoholics Anonymous and got sober. And his brother, Casey Affleck, also successfully got sober. Casey once talked about his family struggles in an interview, saying, “We come from a long line of 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 6 years.” Casey and his father are examples of successful long-term sobriety.
And then there’s Ben. The actor has tried to get sober over and over but has had several relapses. And there should be no shame in that. Sobriety isn’t always linear. Relapse can be a part of the recovery journey.
Affleck might not enjoy his relapses being so public, but they send an important message. A relapse doesn’t need to be the end. You can get back up and try again. Eventually, a relapse will be the last one.
Alcohol use disorder is a widespread issue across the United States. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 28.9 million people aged 12 and older had AUD in the past year.
In 2017, the actor wrote on Facebook, “I’ve 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’s 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.”
And that perfectly sums up the importance of sharing his story. It’s not just Affleck’s kids who’ll see the power in seeking help when you need it. Every person who hears the actor’s story will be reminded that treatment can save someone from addiction.
Getting Help Matters
Addiction isn’t a choice; it’s a disease. Obtaining the support and resources of professionals is the most effective route for recovery. Rehabilitation can be life-saving, but it’s up to you to reach out and take the first step.
Restore
Don’t spend another day suffering through an active addiction. Get the help you need today at Restore. Our compassionate and professional staff will help you find the way to a better tomorrow. Contact us now to learn about our alcohol addiction treatment programs.
