IS BEN DRINKING AGAIN AFTER REHAB?

IT WAS ONLY FIVE MONTHS

ago that Ben Affleck revealed he had completed treatment for ‘alcohol addiction… to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be.’

So it came as something as a shock when the actor, 44, was pictured buying multiple bottles of rosé wine with his girlfriend, Lindsay Shookus, 37, as they enjoyed a break together in Maine last week.

Understandably, the photos of Ben’s apparent relapse are said to have upset Jennifer Garner – they finally divorced in April, two years after they split. Insiders say Ben’s struggles with alcohol addiction forced the couple to officially separate after months of public outings with their children Violet, 11, Seraphina, eight, and Samuel, five.

‘Jen is really worried that Ben is going to go off the rails again,’ a well-placed source told Grazia. ‘Their communication has gone from bad to worse and Ben has been growing more distant from her and less apologetic than he’s been previously.

‘She’s angry at him, but more than that she’s worried about the effect that this is going to have on their children.’

Earlier this year, Ben opened up about his battle with addiction in a candid Facebook post. In it, he thanked Jennifer, 45, for her support, adding, ‘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.’

It comes amid reports that Ben’s younger brother Casey is to officially split from his wife of seven years, Summer Phoenix, who filed for divorce last week. Summer, 38, claimed they separated back in November 2015 and requested full physical and legal custody of their two children, Indiana, 13, and Atticus, nine.

‘Jen feels like Ben is slipping through her fingers, especially since he’s devoting so much time to supporting Casey,’ said the source. ‘She’s convinced he’s drinking again but despite everything she still cares for him and his health. She wants their children to have a stable and secure father. Seeing him drink again breaks her heart.’