Ben Affleck completes rehab for alcohol abuse

CEBU, Philippines - Ben Affleck has recently completed a stint in rehab, the actor said in a statement on Facebook Tuesday.

“I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront,” he wrote.

“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.”

Affleck previously went to rehab in 2001 for unspecified reasons. “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,” Affleck said in a 2012 The Hollywood Reporter cover story. “It was more a ‘let me get myself straight,’ before it became a rite of passage.”

His publicist said at the time, “Ben is a self-aware and smart man who has decided that a fuller life awaits him without alcohol. He has chosen to seek out professional assistance and is committed to travelling a healthier road with the support of his family, friends and fans.”

Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner, with whom he has three children, announced in 2015 that they were separating, but no divorce has been finalized.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Garner had backtracked on filing for divorce and the two were taking steps to repair their decade-long marriage.

“Nothing has changed,” one insider insisted to E! News. “They are not back together. They are co-parenting. The most important thing in all of this are their kids.”

As a previous source explained, “There have been times when reconciliation looked very likely. They love each other and that hasn’t changed. But, it’s unclear what the future holds for them.”

“They could always get back together,” another insider informed Us Weekly. “There is a lot of love and support there, and they have worked out a way to have their family that works for them.”

Neither actor has publicly addressed rumors they are reconciling, but both stars are clearly very fond of each other.

Affleck praised his estranged wife in an Extra TV interview in October, stating he was “so impressed” by Garner’s political activism, adding, “She’s a great mom.”

Meanwhile, Garner told US show “Today” she and Affleck remain “great friends”, stating, “We’re doing really well.”

Affleck recently starred in and directed the Warner Bros. gangster film “Live by Night,” which was not well-received by critics and performed poorly at the box office. In January, he announced he would no longer be directing “The Batman,” in which he is also set to reprise his role as the DC superhero.

“Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require,” Affleck said in a statement at the time.

“Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film. I am still in this, and we are making it, but we are currently looking for a director. I remain extremely committed to this project, and look forward to bringing this to life for fans around the world.”

Matt Reeves has since stepped in to direct “The Batman.” Affleck will appear as Bruce Wayne/Batman in November’s “Justice League,” which has wrapped filming. No release date has been set for “The Batman,” which is also to star Joe Manganiello as the villain Deathstroke. (FREEMAN)