Ben Affleck on depression, addiction and how sobriety has made him happier | Nightline

The actor spoke openly about his family’s history with addiction and said that five years from now, he hopes people will say that he's "sober and happy" and seeing his kids regularly.
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[@johnm001]

7 days sober and fighting it hard, seeing this gives me strength and encouragement, thanks Ben.

[@johnm001]

@@jackmannneee9071 thanks Pal, still going ✌

[@HawaiianPunch557]

Goin on 6 days for me. I fell pretty good but psychologically it's rough still.

[@Handl3412]

You can do it!!

[@SuzeBlues]

@@johnm001 - You still sober? You got this.💪🏼

[@chris_mackay]

@@johnm001 Hope you're doing well mate.

[@darksoul479]

I'm almost ten years sober Ben, if I can do it you can do it too man. 😊

[@pohakumana4288]

wanna a beer?

[@EverGreen1888]

congratulations!

[@christinel2569]

Congratulations! How's your sobriety going!?

[@supremeteam1831]

Congratulations!!! Let's celebrate at the nearest pub

[@deborah8887]

@@pohakumana4288 You sad little person you.

[@gstylez0107]

You can just hear the pain in his voice.. Poor guy.. I can literally feel it just listening to him...

[@chattycathydoll]

Yeah I agree. You can see it in his eyes as well, he has the classic look of the depressed. I hope he's getting support as it's harder when you're older.

[@gardensofthegods]

Also the pain of knowing it's starting to ruin his looks

[@BudFuddlacker]

POOR guy? You’re insane

[@gstylez0107]

@Igloo Zoo I have money. It's not the answer. You don't just become financially successful and suddenly win at life. Celebrities battle a whole set of struggles that you clearly don't understand. You're too envious to see it..

[@williamlechner4573]

The word "poor" has multiple meanings in the English language. It does not refer to money in this context.

[@chicagolc7022]

I took a guy in my Uber to rehab for methamphetamine addiction the other night. Young, good looking man. It was very touching. I hope he is doing better now. This can happen to any of us at any time.

[@fdrstan]

He’s a good dude. Who knows how many people he is helping by disclosing his own struggles.

[@mingoia2132]

You don't know him. We're all actors on and off the camera

[@oooweebaby4483]

The sleep alone with zero alcohol is absolute heaven.

[@jannorris4140]

...but the evenings with zero alcohol are torture.

[@joannerzezniczek4599]

@@jannorris4140 Hi Jan. The obsession of the mind is my torture. It can be all consuming. But, I know that once I injest alcohol, the allergy wakes and I want more. Alcoholism is a disease of more.

[@MelissaGal1]

@@jannorris4140 Better overall without alcohol but I agree. The nights are difficult.

[@larslover6559]

Never been into alcohol but severe anxieties and panic attacks. Just recently I learnt some life hacks to sleep properly and yes sleep is a blessing!

[@maddiew1978]

Can't relate

[@stevenflores80]

I struggle with alcohol and drug addiction Ben motivated me to fight and stay clean I totally relate with the depression that come with my addiction. If you read this I’m praying for you to be happy and the best life you can have.

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Thanks for your kind words. 3 days off weed for me. I was taking it to try and beat my depression. In the end it only made it worse. There is a strength that you feel in saying no.

[@ephraimmartinez6275]

Hey man hope you're staying sober. I'm kinda in a struggle right now. But I'm working through it.

[@stevenflores80]

@@ephraimmartinez6275 I feel ya Brutha i fight daily with Stay strong stay prayed up daily Blessings to you and your fam!!!

[@topsyturvyy4558]

An AA once told me that you also need to replace a bad habit, in this case drugs, alcohol with a good habit: learn to play an instrument, paint, program computers, fix computers, you name it and invest ll your passion in it.

[@Richie-tk4yq]

Thank you!

[@maxxx12429]

8.5 years sober here. So awesome when I find out celebrities have made it onto the other side of addiction. Thank you for your transparency Ben!

[@gregorypost2308]

For my 38th birthday, two weeks ago, I said to myself “that’s gotta be it”. For way too long I used alcohol to bury a lot of bad memories and suppress the pain of life. I should never have ran from it and instead embraced it while working past it. It’s amazing how you don’t even realize it happened until it already has.

[@denisepaulsenful]

Congrats I hope you’re doing well. Alcohol is a pain killer so we’re drawn to it’s anaesthetic ways like a soother or comforter. Yet life looms heavy when we inevitably sober up and have to face up to our reality. The thing about alcohol is it works. But it is very dangerous. I am now paralyzed because of it and due to my own actions. I hurt a lot of people emotionally and I have to live with the consequences.

[@murkartik]

This is great man. I am in the same boat and also recently turned 38. What you said I relate to so much. Now the staes are suddenly way, way higher. Can I ask hwo youre doing now?

[@elijahmoser5477]

God bless you man! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I hope you’re still doing great

[@CD-xf5qb]

We have ups we gave downs and we can rise again. It's called being human.

[@thedarkside9137]

I see what u did there 'rise again'

[@vickyshan6302]

So so true. We are all human, including BA, and we can rise again.

[@ileanacastro96]

Sadly i had depression in my 30s but in 27 years i felt so happy being sober

[@user-ez6vl9xx4v]

So happy he is getting his life on track and coparenting with Jennifer (who I absolutely love). Such an important struggle to share.

[@frankyb702]

Lets bet in less than 5 years he will be dead

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

@Cool Hand Mark 👍👍

[@dorisnoel8824]

@@frankyb702 I can see that everyone else has ignored you because you're probably a troll but , I will say this to you. Your not a fortune teller!!!! I've been clean for 14yrs without a relapse. We all have free will!!!

[@lilyhodge8043]

@@frankyb702 you horrible person

[@elisabethdakak878]

Not Who but Whom. Object vs. subject

[@MsOhsusanna]

Being an adult child of an alcoholic is no joke. It has affected my whole life. I pray the best sober life for him.

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

I admire his openness and honesty about his struggles, I’ve never been a huge Ben Affleck fan. But, I think I’m definitely going to check out his new film. As I’ve had my own struggles with grief over loss loved ones and deep sadness which has crippled me emotionally and personally lately. He’s pretty relatable here and courageous I do wish him the best. Seeing him caught by the paparazzi drunk/intoxicated was pretty sad.

[@timothyholmes4588]

I'm not his biggest fan . I do like good will hunting and have a lot of respect for anyone that got to be with Jennifer garner.

[@jv-ep2tc]

check out The Town

[@MrDooley45]

Me neither not a huge fan, but his honest got me to watch this...I wish him the best🙏🏾

[@jesuschrististheonlyway9017]

5 years, this is you now in loving relationship and still see your kids 3 days a week and also nominated for Air movie.

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

I'm rooting for you Ben.

[@wolverineiscool7161]

to do what

[@toughflowers5088]

Can't root for a man who can put a good woman through the ringer.

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

@ausguy505 I'm American not Australian. Sorry , Rooting it is....

[@SamuelGegen]

everyone should be! sober guy here too, not the easiest

[@guynxtdork]

We'll are rooting for old Ben.

[@thislovemusic]

Damn. This was real AF. Good luck, Ben. Stay sober, please, you can do it. Your kids are counting on you!

[@LissetteCRamirez]

Love his vulnerability and realness in opening up. One is never alone, so ask for help if you need it. You got this Ben!!!!

[@XLdanielsX]

I’m 20 years old and I struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. I’m two months sober and I’ve lost 11 pounds. Sobriety is the oblivion

[@christinel2569]

Congratulations! 🙌

[@yoursubconscious]

I truly believe, eyes never lie. He definitely regrets some past moments. Good to see a person, famous or not, find a way to straighten up

[@lenabena492]

I appreciate how open and honest he is!! May God keep him strong!!!🙏🏾💪🏾

[@lionelkashila663]

I'm happy Ben Affleck got his life back together

[@Reitz86]

Stay sober, live a life you can remember

[@jcbanbury]

Dont need to remember anything. Gunna die anyway it doesnt matter

[@Reitz86]

@@jcbanbury that’s one way to look at it, it’s a horrible death, life’s enough of a black pill, alcohol doesn’t make it any better, positive hope for your future❤️

[@blindspotspotter.2352]

Yep. You never really find out who you are until you lose yourself and have to come to terms with what you actually look like, so that you can find you for the first time.

[@georgeluna5845]

One day at a time Ben.

[@SamuelGegen]

always the plan!

[@mattfan5]

One day at a time brother

[@jermeldunn6002]

One day at a time

[@reneestrazzere6596]

Thank you for the honesty, my son struggles with anxiety. It was shocking to hear you were on medicine since 26 and that there are side effects and that it may take time to find the right one that helps you. No one wants to be alone in the their struggle and no one has all the answers.

[@wakanda6754]

The ppl I listened to was some of whom tried the CBD oil, for anxiety, sleep, panic attacks, and it helped them.

[@normapolanco4882]

So handsome! And the honesty makes me like him more! My prayer is that in 5 years from now all of that xan be said about him and more!

[@larslover6559]

Agree! And it has a definietly a snowball effect. When someone opens up then others get courage to do so also..

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@cyndigooch1162]

@@benaffleck9736 😂

[@owenlee9474]

He sounds broken 😔 he seems like a good dude whose trying and i hope in 5 years he's done a whole lot more than he ever thought possible

[@audreyboissonneault6475]

Five years from now, he will be in a stable, healthy, loving, committed relationship! Event before that.

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@diesisyphostin2015]

😂😂

[@SamuelGegen]

Love it! Sober guy here as well and it's not easy. Being vulnerable can be our super powers. Job well done Ben!

[@tendresexton4957]

I had no clue Ben Aflec struggled with this. Prayers. I'm a Recovering Addict

[@richardfrancis5406]

I love Ben for being so up front...about alcoholism...it’s very important when a major celebrity speaks up...

[@johnmccann8319]

Sounds honest and humble.Two things that LIFE should teach us.We are fragile human beings.Well done Ben!!!

[@steadychaosproductions3376]

He looks good and healthy. Good for him!

[@Shay_TheUnpopularOpinion_]

Aww I had no idea he went through so much! Ben Affleck was my crush since I was 12 years old, I am 30 now. He inspired me to write amateur screenplays because of "Good Will Hunting"! I wish him the best!!!

[@EastsideTrue]

Your so gorgeous! I hope u get a screenplay onto the big screen! ❤️❤️❤️

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@effiegerosfakinou454]

God bless him... Thankyou, for sharing your heart and soul, to us... The childhood family issues, depression, addiction...... Alot of us.... alot of us... understand, and have suffered.. Be strong, stay happy, healthy, and after getting Jennifer back, run for prez..... 😉❤️👍👌💪😎

[@wolverineiscool7161]

which Jennifer back? Lopez?

[@timothycastillo9263]

Hey dumbass, hes never gonna see your comment.

[@pohakumana4288]

why are all the god believers those who suffer the most? Most addicts believe in god, what's that tell ya?

[@effiegerosfakinou454]

@@pohakumana4288 😮😳.... You certainly have a point there...anyway, peace out✌️

[@effiegerosfakinou454]

@@wolverineiscool7161 Garner, ex wife...

[@saudigold50]

Stellar interview. Wishing Ben continued sobriety and peace. Diane is lovely.

[@Icarus931]

His humility is so refreshing. Truly a great man .

[@elizabethmunoz2635]

I feel bad for him that his family fell apart but im happy to see his doing better 😊

[@lawschoolpro]

Always liked Ben affleck. He’s human like the rest of us.

[@marynelson3094]

This interview is everything! Thank you Ben. I never was a fan of your acting or skill. But now I can’t relate to you and your pain. Thank you for sharing this. You’re a champion.

[@treeyellow4627]

Prayers for Ben! Loved this interview. So genuine. Such a humble soul.

[@DMarie-yg9mb]

Thank you Ben for being so open. I can't tell my family, so scared as to me being an alcoholic. You are a wonderful man and actor. 💕

[@tramorester]

I hope he knows the good he does by doing an open and honest interview like this , he may make it easier for many others

[@margotdsouza1189]

I hope Ben stays strong with sobriety and fatherhood!!! He seems humble and very loving!!!

[@bt-nb5tp]

miss him as Batman and happy he’s doing well 🤙

[@meghanprunier7725]

So impressed with his honesty! Wishing him sobriety and happiness-

[@smilessantana2049]

Aw man, he is glowing! Glad to hear he is doing well.

[@grabandgoadvice1694]

Admirable when celebrities share their struggles as they may not always see the positive influence it can have on someone else.

[@aneranandy6157]

To everyone here on their sober path: never give up, even if you're trapped in the depths of your darkest relapses. Feeling all is lost, shrouded in misery while you lay on a bed of glass. Bring yourself back to the start, try again, you are loved, we can do this together, never be afraid to reach out, a hand will be there and one day you WILL start to stack on the years of sobriety against the years you lost ❤

[@kalebberend]

Day Zero Sober, again 😞

[@aluandjalal1324]

Smoke meth everyday

[@aneranandy6157]

@@kalebberend just get back on and try again, slip ups happen homie

[@aneranandy6157]

@@aluandjalal1324 I wish I was in the same room as you when you said that so I could slam your face into your keyboard, but since you have the safety of your computer screen say whatever you want scum of the earth

[@aluandjalal1324]

@@aneranandy6157 daddy chill

[@noeramirez5898]

I'm struggling with alcohol so bad that it's destroying my life. I'm ready to put this behind me and move on to a happier life.

[@calvinblack2167]

You can do it bro

[@TeutonicNordwind]

Keep it simple. Just not today. Just for today. Maybe tomorrow but not today.

[@lesleymay6757]

He's always been so handsome. I hope he stays on track, for himself and his family. Also, high five to JLo! He is 100% 😍😍🙌🔥

[@canadasweetie]

High 5 to Jennifer Garner who stood by him for years!!!

[@SpiritFitVices]

Great to see someone like this is recovery, and sharing 🙂

[@davidlynch9049]

Way to go Ben. Know that there are millions around the world who are struggling with your addiction and overcoming it.

[@greasyhitchball]

This video hit me at the perfect moment. Rock on Ben.

[@maimoneattia]

I really appreciate he mentions taking anti depresseants. Many people might perceive taking meds as a sign of weakness. The fact that a successful movie star talks about taking them will hopefully be a good model for people, showing that it can be helpful to take medication, that it isn't something negative.

[@Radmxray]

❤

[@Pissupboiz]

he gives me hope.

[@christinel2569]

How you doin?

[@MsCottonSun]

I cried watching this and wish him and his kids all the best ♥️

[@bertram46]

I am an alcoholic well that's the 1st step it's been a struggle for decades it's nice to hear him be really humble and talk about it like any one of us would we are all just human beings doing the best we can

[@jayelee2927]

He is a very talented and brilliant actor and he is my first favourite actor in my life. I watched almost all of his movies and they are all so "Good"! Excellent movies ! ! ! I'm glad he is doing well and I have faith in him . Always love him no matter what !

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

We were born to “ fall “ , it’s all about how we get -back -up -again 💜💕❤️ Famous people , everyday people - you gotta Love a comeback ! God bless Ben & family

[@Jenz123]

Ben is so talented and blessed to be alive. I pray he continues to stay sober for his children , his renewed relationship with JLo and of course for himself - because he’s worth it. God still has a purpose and a plan for his life

[@stephaniehall2552]

So happy for him, I hope he can continue in his quest for sobriety , Best Wishes and prayers

[@louannjonesdeku9685]

You can do it Ben I will be praying for you

[@pohakumana4288]

I'm sure he'll care/know/be AFFECTED

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@MrAllysonn]

I can help it I just love him. Thank you to Jennifer Garner who has been ben's greatest life gift.

[@lisas2538]

He is a really good actor. I always root for him. I wish him well.

[@gregpalumbo2503]

Ben....thanks for putting this out there....it will inspire more than you will ever know.

[@ma71600]

We love you Ben. Thank you for standing up for us. Love and positive energy to you!

[@goodtalker]

IMO, at nearly 60 years of age, I have come to the conclusion that even though we often discuss substances and activities as addictions--alcoholism, workaholism, etc--in fact it is THE TRUTH THAT PEOPLE ARE ADDICTIVE. Humans have a need for satisfaction that can only be satisfied from being lovingly bonded to others and God. This, is in fact, the community we alcoholics so desperately seek and need in AA.

[@batmanthecapedcrusader3916]

Batfleck is just semi-retired. He will be back better than ever.

[@davidcaubergh6349]

4:55 is the moment that I feel his pain so much. My parents were divorced and I vowed to myself to never want to put my kids through any of that. We often idolize celebrities but in videos like this we can see Ben for the human he is just like every one of us.

[@qhadl105]

I can feel pain and regrets from his voice. I hope he's gonna get better in terms of anxiety and so on .Love you!

[@heater9124]

Remember people - a lot of us get to have privacy when we work through our personal issues. Respect the humanity of this journey. 🖤

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@normajones9384]

Ben is a definite inspiration ❤

[@N2147B]

I really needed to hear this video. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MM-go4nj]

You can literally feel how tormented he is, by his voice, his act etc. Man, I hope he can really get sober and chin up

[@eileen1820]

BEN: "You look great, Diane." "Twenty years later...you look just the same." DIANE: 😐 Me: WTH, Diane? Say *THANK YOU*

[@BudFuddlacker]

Because she knew it was 100% fake nervous BS compliment

[@NinjaOutfitInTheWash]

@@BudFuddlacker she could have said thank you either way.

[@cdawnfly]

Same person who treated Britney Spears terrible?! Doesn't surprise me

[@aedgardaethelredd5578]

The lie was too obvious to play along obviously

[@lovebennifer9982]

rooting for you and jlo ❤ hope it's for real this time wish you both nothing but very best. keep going and moving forward ❤

[@dianerosegrecoallen4935]

Congrats on your sobriety and all of those committed! I was on over 15 prescription meds in addition OTC's while in complete burnout as a wife, mother and caregiver, married to a partner with addiction for over 28yrs. Alcohol speaks a different language. Sending strength and courage to all!

[@Jaxxaamillion]

He manifested everything in this interview. Look at him now 😊🤩 Boston loves Ben 🫶🏼✨💫⭐️💛

[@andyw3152]

When it comes to addiction it doesn't matter how much money you have it's always there. I imagine if you are a celebrity it must be even harder, having that money, you can go anywhere and do what you want surrounded by yes people. Hope he gets sorted.

[@TylerP9999]

i feel ya man, ive been an alcoholic most of my life.. also the Town is one of the greatest movies ive ever seen

[@Pazuzu82]

Aw man you can really hear the pain in his voice, the expressions on his face, addiction is a pure bastard like especially alcohol! Not that long sober myself from it! Wish him happyness and strength, getting sober is tough but staying sober is the ultimatum!

[@YakAngling]

I've battled drinking from the age of 25 to 45 because I found myself living for the weekends and not happy with my choice of work carrier. I would drink through the week to cope with life and binge drink with friends on weekends when possible. At 45 I emotionally knew I was failing in life by my choices and actions from alcohol. At 47 I found my passion for the outdoors to be more true to myself, so I started a tube channel for fishing and camping. I am happy to say that I found myself before loosing everything I had embracing me like my wife and kids to the true friends that were not abusers. I can stay sober for weeks now and choose when and how much I want to drink if I choose to with friends. Life really begins when you understand!

[@amyd316]

I love how honest Ben is!! Will Ben make mistakes and drink again in the future probably but at least he is aware and knows what to do in those moments!

[@marissavallejo7637]

He literally inspired me with this I relate so much with the family addiction and being scared

[@Hatchbackin]

I needed this. In so many ways.

[@MTSpade]

as someone in the exact same position this hurts, I thought I would be able to walk myself back if I just got help, toned it back to less amount, and stopped giving in to it, but hes right, if theres a problem underneath, you cant escape it, if I have it it will control me

[@denamullen340]

Wow he’s even better looking!! 🤯. Congratulations on sobriety! Relapse, just get back to it!! Keep getting back up y’all!! No matter how many times it has taken someone, GET BACK UP. Guilt and Shame is just part of it and like the scales of justice, just try and do good each day to even those scales. That’s all we can do. And that can be very powerful and impactful 💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@johnnylongshlong3677]

As long as we stay fit and healthy, men get better looking into their late 40's.

[@justonebethanne]

Ben, you look so healthy now! I know you can do this!💯👍❤

[@benaffleck9736]

Thanks for the support. It's my out most pleasure having you here, thanks for your support you have been giving me all these years, I won't be here if not for you my lovely fan. I hope you find joy and happiness in my movies? I will have to call you My Super Fan

[@joncowen3275]

What a brave person to be so candid. 90 Percent of people are too self-conscious to be this honest.

[@kevinbrowne4833]

I am it is so sad to admit...in his exact shoes when it comes to drinking,. What killed me about this interview is that I went to Xavier High School on 16th Street in Manhattan. It blew me away to see that gym which was long before my problems started. This video and interview touched me incredibly. Thank you Ben!

[@KaioMichiru22]

Love him, I respect and support him so much. He's very talented, just made some mistakes and he acknowledge that, he's very human

[@christinel2569]

Amen

[@StylezMajorMusic]

this is deep... I released a music video called LOST IN A HIGH, and I open up about my own struggles with addiction and mental health. ..people are telling me it made them cry and touched them ...

[@mariapilarme]

I see his eyes sparkle again. It’s ok to struggle but we support you. Many people struggle too. Stay strong!

[@MsCottonSun]

So candid. Keep it up

[@michelebonifanti3296]

Praying for you, Ben🙏🏻🙏🏻. You can do it😀❤️

[@denisepaulsenful]

Fantastic prediction and in making his dreams a reality.

[@karendale7537]

big inspiration! sharing this will help many. many kudos

[@edwinvalentinocamacho7220]

I relate 😪 to alcoholism in my family 👪..its was the norm in my early years having a violent drunk in the household and later it progressing to two siblings that are no longer here ...thanks for sharing Ben...I hope and pray 🙏 this interview helps at least a couple of people ' i know it helps my awareness.

[@Michael-tr7uq]

So sorry about your family. Alcohol ruins so many lives. Steps may be helping Ben but I wish the 1935 steps-era thinking would be replaced with 2021 science-based thinking. The Sinclair Method (TEDx talk 3 million views). They didn't have naltrexone in 1935. TEDx talk kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHbKmZyPlNhlqtU