Ben Affleck, out of rehab, calls addiction a lifelong struggle

LOS ANGELES - Oscar winner Ben Affleck said on Thursday he had completed a 40-day residential alcohol rehab programme but said that battling addiction "is a lifelong and difficult struggle."

Affleck, 46, who also went to rehab in 2017 and 2001, said in a posting on his Instagram account that he remained in outpatient care, and thanked his family, friends and fans for their support.

"Battling any addiction is a lifelong and difficult struggle. Because of that one is never really in or out of treatment. It is a full-time commitment. I am fighting for myself and my family," he wrote.

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Affleck has three children with actress Jennifer Garner. The couple separated in 2015 but in August Garner was pictured in Los Angeles driving Affleck to a treatment centre.

Affleck shot to fame in 1998 when he shared a screenplay Oscar for drama "Goodwill Hunting" with his best friend Matt Damon. In 2013, he took home a second Oscar for best picture winner "Argo," which he produced and directed.