Ben Affleck’s sobriety has been a highly-reported affair. The actor has addressed his battle with alcoholism on many occasions. Despite enjoying an excellent career, fame, and all else the world has to offer, the Justice League alum felt confined within his existence. In such trying times, it was with the help of a few colleagues in the industry that Affleck found the support he was in desperate need of.
In a conversation with ABC News in 2020, the actor opened up about his struggles and revealed the names of the two famed actors who influenced his sobriety. The celebrities mentioned are individuals who have faced comparable circumstances in their lives due to substance addiction. MCU superstar Robert Downey Jr. happens to be one of them.
Ben Affleck’s Struggles With Alcohol Addiction
On The Howard Stern Show, Ben Affleck’s candid conversation about alcoholism and sobriety garnered the attention of many. The host initially queried, “How hard is it to get sober?” The actor answered by stating that it was quite challenging to quit in the beginning. He mentioned how people are wired to seek gratification. An addiction can vary from obsessive eating to gambling to smartphone fixation, among other things. Nonetheless, the actor admitted that overcoming such habits can prove tricky. Following was his statement:
“It’s hard [to get sober] because you have taught yourself, ‘This is the only way to ease my pain. I’m in pain, and this thing will make it better.’ […] I wanted to be sober. I committed to it. The problem with that fight is like, you can win a thousand times. You only have to give in once. You’re never gonna win all the time.”
The fact that Affleck had to go to rehab multiple times for his addiction demonstrates the difficulties he faced. It happened in 2001, 2017, and 2018—the latter years marking a period in the actor’s life when his personal life was also suffering. After his public split from Jennifer Garner in 2015, the former couple finalized their divorce in 2018. A combination of these struggles seeped into his professional life.
In a THR interview, the actor had the following to say about his DCEU involvement:
“I was going to direct a Batman, and [Justice League] made me go, “I’m out. I never want to do any of this again. I’m not suited.” That was the worst experience I’ve ever seen in a business which is full of some shitty experiences. […] And I started to drink too much. I was back at the hotel in London, it was either that or jump out the window.”
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He continued:
“I thought, “This isn’t the life I want. My kids aren’t here. I’m miserable.” You want to go to work and find something interesting to hang onto, rather than just wearing a rubber suit, and most of it you’re just standing against the computer screen going, “If this nuclear waste gets loose, we’ll …” That’s fine. I don’t condescend to that or put it down, but I got to a point where I found it creatively not satisfying.”
These accounts and experiences shed light on why Ben Affleck decided to leave the role of Batman. The actor was going through a lot simultaneously. In his battle against alcoholism, Affleck gained the support of several of his coworkers who had been through similar experiences. Have a look.
Robert Downey Jr. And Bradley Cooper Supported Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck has received effective backing from the two MCU superstars. Talking to ABC News‘s Diane Sawyer, the Gone Girl alum had the following to say about the two actors:
“You know, guys like, I found like Bradley [Cooper] and Robert [Downey Jr.] have been really helpful to me and really supportive, and they’re wonderful men.”
Both Downey Jr. and Cooper have dealt with substance abuse. The two performers have been able to rise above their addictions and find a place within Hollywood where they are revered. Their support must have meant the world to Affleck. In recent interviews, the Silver Linings Playbook star touched upon his 20-year sobriety journey. Meanwhile, the Iron Man actor has remained sober since 2003.
Affleck, Downey Jr., and Cooper are examples of human perseverance. Despite hitting rock bottom, these actors managed to get back on their feet. Their experiences will continue to inspire hundreds of individuals going through similar difficulties.
Source: ABC News, THR, and The Howard Stern Show
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