Ben Affleck has spoken about giving up alcohol and the difficult experiences that pushed him to change.
Speaking to Variety, the 54-year-old actor, who has reportedly been sober for more than five years, said knowing that his addiction was harmful was not enough. For him, the desire to change had to come from a deeper place.
He described reaching his own “rock bottom,” where the pain of addiction and the fear of losing something important motivated him to act.
Affleck said everyone’s experience is different. He also explained that understanding what he could and could not control was part of his recovery.
He added that staying sober has become easier over time.
The actor also reflected on losing both of his parents this year. He said their deaths made him think about his own life and helped him accept that death is a natural part of it.
Affleck recalled his mother telling him near the end of her life that she thought 84 years would feel longer. He said he felt the same way about reaching 54.
He acknowledged that his death would one day be painful for his children, but said there was some comfort in parents passing away before their children.
Affleck is currently promoting his new film, Animals.
