Ben Affleck thanks ‘co-parent’ Jennifer Garner as he completes alcohol addiction treatment

Affleck is taking steps “towards a positive recovery” in a bid to be the “best father”
Recovery: Ben Affleck sought help for alcohol addiction
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Emma Powell15 March 2017
The Weekender

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Ben Affleck has thanked his “co-parent” Jennifer Garner after revealing he underwent treatment for alcohol addiction.

The actor, 44, disclosed the news in a Facebook post and explained that he is taking steps “towards a positive recovery” in a bid to be the “best father”.

He wrote: “I have 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.”

Affleck – who has Violet, 11, Seraphina, eight and Samuel, six with Garner – continued: “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.

Support: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

“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 sought treatment for alcohol abuse in 2001.

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In a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck opened up about his stay in rehab. He said: “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.

“It was more a 'let me get myself straight,' before it became a rite of passage.”

The news comes months after Affleck stepped down from his Batman directing duties.

Speaking at the time he said: “It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require.”

He was replaced by Matt Reeves in February.

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