Ben Affleck Reportedly Returns To Rehab Following Lindsay Shookus Split

Ben Affleck is getting the help he needs with the support of his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.

On Wednesday evening, Aug. 22, 2018, the Love, Simon actress reportedly drove the Justice League star to rehab to treat his longtime battle with alcohol addiction, multiple media outlets reported.

"Ben's priorities remain his family and his sobriety," a source recently told Entertainment Tonight. "He continues to attend meetings and meditation classes for his well-being. You have to work at your sobriety every day and he does that." However, another ET insider claimed that, while Affleck has "worked very hard to stay clean" and that "Jen is proud of the strides he's made," he has reportedly been struggling with his sobriety lately and "could be on a slippery slope." The source explained that the movie star was reportedly out late partying with an old group of friends just the other night, but added, "Ben wants nothing more than to get sober for his kids, for Jen and also for his career."

According to an insider cited by E! News, Garner, 46, allegedly staged an intervention at Affleck's Pacific Palisades home and appeared "visibly shaken" during their drive to a rehab facility afterward. The Batman star, who had entered rehab for a third time last September, apparently knew he needed treatment and was receptive to the reported intervention. As another source told the publication, Affleck allegedly began drinking again on Monday, Aug. 20, and had reached out to his estranged ex for help. "He told Jen and was not resistant," the insider said. "He asked her to take him and she wanted to be there for him." 

TMZ has since revealed that Affleck is receiving treatment at a live-in rehab facility in Los Angeles county and will remain there for an extended period of time.

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Affleck, who first went to rehab back in 2001, quietly sought treatment for alcohol abuse over a year ago. In March 2017, he revealed in a post on Facebook, "I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I've dealt with in the past and will continue to confront." At the time, he publicly acknowledged Garner's continued support and noted his determination to improve his health for the sake of his kids. The former couple, who separated in 2015 after ten years of marriage, share three children together: Violet, 12, Seraphina, 9, and Samuel, 6. 

"I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be," the Oscar winner 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. 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."

At the time of this writing, Affleck, Garner, and their reps have not yet publicly commented on the actor's reported return to rehab.

Affleck made headlines earlier this week when it was reported that he and his girlfriend, Saturday Night Live producer Lindsay Shookus, amicably split after a year of dating. While it's unknown when exactly the two called it quits, the 46-year-old actor has already been spotted with Playboy model Shauna Sexton, 22, multiple times this month.

According to a source cited by Page Six, "He's having a tough time. It's unclear what his relationship is with Lindsay and he still has his relationship with Jen. It's not easy and he's struggled with staying on a straight path before."

We hope Affleck will continue to receive the help he needs during his recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's 24/7 National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.