In late August, Ben Affleck checked into rehab to seek help with his alcohol addiction. After completing a 40-day stay, the Oscar winner left the facility and returned to public life, while still remaining in outpatient care.
This week, he broke his silence on his time at the addiction treatment centre, issuing an emotional statement that thanked his family and fans for their support.
"This week I completed a forty day stay at a treatment center for alcohol addiction and remain in outpatient care. The support I have received from my family, colleagues and fans means more to me than I can say. It’s given me the strength and support to speak about my illness with others," the Argo star wrote on his Instagram page.
He continued to open up about his "lifelong struggle" with addition, claiming he had drawn inspiration from those who have shared similar journeys and this had reminded him that he was not alone.
"Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle," he wrote, "Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family. So many people have reached out on social media and spoken about their own journeys with addiction. To those people, I want to say thank you. Your strength is inspiring and is supporting me in ways I didn’t think was possible. It helps to know I am not alone."
The star added: "As I’ve had to remind myself, if you have a problem, getting help is a sign of courage, not weakness or failure. With acceptance and humility, I continue to avail myself with the help of so many people and I am grateful to all those who are there for me. I hope down the road I can offer an example to others who are struggling."
The 46-year-old has entered rehab on two other occasions - in 2001 and 2017 - but it has been alleged that he is taking it "more seriously" this time.
A source reportedly told People several days ago: "Ben seems to take this rehab visit more seriously. This time is different. He doesn’t want his kids to have to go through this again. Ben is really trying very hard to get better. He is taking things day by day, but it seems he plans on staying at the treatment centre for at least a couple of more weeks."
He allegedly agreed to go to rehab when estranged wife Jennifer Garner staged an intervention after seeing photos of her ex-husband getting an alcohol delivery outside his home.
The 13 Going On 30 actress filed for divorce in April 2017, but the pair remain close and have three children - named Violet, Seraphina and Samuel - together.
