Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez‘s divorce isn’t settled yet, but the 52-year-old actor is reportedly thinking about what his next relationship might look like. He has a very specific demand that is important to him, and it shows his commitment to staying healthy for himself and his three kids, Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12.
“He only wants to date someone who is sober or in recovery,” a Daily Mail source claimed. “These past two years have been tough for Ben and as he begins to heal, one thing is very clear: his recovery comes before anything. He is not going to put his sobriety in jeopardy.” His sobriety was a hot topic as his split with the 55-year-old superstar became evident, his friends and family were reportedly concerned that he could fall off the wagon.
In May, a source close to Jennifer Garner noted her desire for Affleck to stay focused on his sobriety. “She wants him happy and healthy so he can be the best dad possible,” they told People. Garner also gave a vote of confidence to Lopez at the time because she “likes that [Lopez] lives a healthy lifestyle and supports Ben’s sobriety. Jen wants that for Ben.” Even though the marriage didn’t turn around, Affleck seems to be on track with his health.
“Ben tries to avoid reading the news but it did upset him that people thought he relapsed because he had not,” the Daily Mail source said. “Like every alcoholic, Ben just wakes up with one goal in mind. To stay sober for that day.” Affleck’s problem with alcohol first came to a head in 1997.
“I just wanted to stop. I started regretting some things I did when I was drunk,” he told Fox News in 1998. “It’s funny to be obnoxious or out of control, but then it’s like, ‘I think I hurt that person’s feelings, ‘I made a fool of myself’ or ‘I didn’t want to kiss that girl.’ I have almost no inhibitions, so it’s dangerous for me.” He first sought treatment in 2001 with subsequent stints in rehab in 2017 and 2018.
It makes sense Affleck wants someone like-minded when it comes to their relationship with alcohol. The Daily Mail insider thinks that The Town star is feeling “ready to move forward and start dating again,” and that’s why his sobriety is on his mind. “He is not going to jump into anything serious until the divorce is finalized but that does not mean he cannot date,” they added. It’s a solid item on his dating requirement list, but Affleck might also want to take a beat before dating again.
Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction.
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