Ben Affleck should be commended for his Facebook post on March 14, 2017, that announced that he had completed 30 days of treatment for alcohol addiction. Affleck who had been to rehab in 2001 stated,
“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.”
The post stated, “I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction something I have 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. This was the first of many steps being taken towards a positive recovery.”
He additionally thanked family and friends including his wife Jennifer Garner for their support.
It is well known that when celebrities and famous people disclose their medical issues publicly, it benefits the public. Former First Lady, Betty Ford was one of the first people to disclose her struggles with alcoholism to the public and thus did a tremendous amount to help destigmatize the problem. After Angelina Jolie disclosed that she had the BRCA1 gene for breast cancer, genetic testing for the disease increased. The same was true when Katie Couric’s husband died from colon cancer. After his publicized death, screenings for the disease increased and the death rate decreased.
Hopefully, Affleck’s post will inspire those individuals struggling with addiction to seek help and will lead to improved lives for individuals with chemical dependency issues and their families.
If you or a loved one would like a free assessment. Please contact The New Bridge Foundation® at 1-(866) 772-8491 .
