affleck’s message of hope

ACTOR Ben Affleck has spoken of his treatment for alcohol addiction, declaring: “I am fighting for myself and my family.”

In a heartfelt Instagram post, 46-yearold Affleck said: “This week I completed a 40-day stay at a treatment centre 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.

“Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that, one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment.”

In August, he was driven to The Canyon residential centre in Malibu, California, by his estranged wife Jennifer Garner after she “begged” him to get help for alcohol abuse.

The couple, who have three children, aged 12, nine and six, announced plans to divorce in

2015 after 10 years of marriage.

It has yet to be finalised, but the 46-year-old actress filed court documents on Monday.

Batman star Affleck last entered rehab in 2017 and had previously sought treatment for his alcohol addiction in 2001.

In his Instagram post, the Oscar winner said: “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.

“It helps to know I am not alone.”