Ben Affleck Gets Help For Alcohol Abuse

Posted Saturday, August 4, 2001 at 10:32 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Pearl Harbor star Ben Affleck has entered the Promises rehabilitation center in Malibu, California for alcohol abuse. Robert Downey, Jr. and comedienne Paula Poundstone are also undergoing treatment at Promises for substance abuse.

A publicist for Affleck had this statement, "Ben is a self-aware and smart man who has decided that a fuller life awaits him without alcohol. He has chosen to seek out professional assistance and is committed to traveling a healthier road with the support of his family, friends and fans.''

Affleck's own father, Tim, battled alcoholism for many years. Ben blames the elder Alleck's alcohol abuse for his parents' divorce. Ironically, the now sober father works at another California rehab center and once even counseled Downey.

Affleck will reprise characters from writer-director Kevin Smith's "New Jersey Trilogy" in the upcoming film Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back.