Earlier this month, it was revealed that Ben Affleck had checked back into rehab, marking his third stint in an addiction treatment facility in 2017.
The decision to seek medical assistance reportedly came after a relapse that left friends and family concerned for the actor’s safety.
Ben has spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism over the years, but news of his latest round of treatment became public knowledge only after the Oscar winner was spotted attending a group therapy session at a Passages facility in Malibu.
Reported reasons for the secrecy vary, but many believe Affleck has decided to eschew the traditional 12-step method of treatment in favor of Passages’ more personalized–and controversial–approach.
Given the timing of his treatment, fans wondered if Affleck would be able to spend time with his three children during the holiday season.
Many rehab centers strictly forbid patients from coming and going, but it seems Passages takes a more relaxed approach, as Page Six is reporting that Ben was indeed released from the facility to spend Christmas with his kids.
The outlet claims that Ben went straight from rehab to a home owned by his estranged wife, Jennifer Garner.
There, he celebrated Christmas with Garner and his three children, Violet, 12, Seraphina, 8, and Samuel, 5.
Ben apparently remained out of treatment for at least two days.
On Tuesday, he was spotted enjoying dinner with girlfriend Lindsay Shookus in Malibu.
Affleck reportedly remained sober throughout the meal.
Sources say Affleck and Shookus are still going strong and are currently planning a major step forward together as a couple.
According to Page Six, Affleck and Shookus, a producer on SNL, recently purchased an apartment together in 15 Central Park West, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive buildings.
Affleck will reportedly join Shookus in the new digs once he completes treatment.
A Boston native, Ben’s no stranger to the East Coast, but he’s spent most of his adult life living in Southern California.
The return east represents a major change for Ben, and while his relationship with Shookus has reportedly had a positive effect on his mental health, some are concerned that the 45-year-old is “pulling a geographic” and attempting to flee from his addiction.
Affleck’s three children will reportedly remain in the Los Angeles area, where Ben will continue to own a home and visit frequently.
We wish Ben and his family all the best during this difficult time.
