Ben Affleck has been struggling with the aftermath of his divorce from actress-singer Jennifer Lopez, and the toll it’s taking on his health is becoming evident. Reports claim that the actor has been chain-smoking in an effort to cope with the stress, but he’s now reportedly determined to break free from this cycle of addiction. According to RadarOnline.com, the Batman star is turning to a hypnotherapist to help him quit smoking once again.
In 2005, Ben managed to quit smoking with the help of a hypnotist after his best friend Matt Damon recommended the method. He even spoke publicly about the positive impact it had on his health during a 2008 interview. However, by 2016, Ben began smoking again, and his habit has reportedly intensified following the breakdown of his short-lived marriage to Jennifer Lopez. In fact, photos surfaced of Ben chain-smoking in his car the day after Jennifer filed for divorce in August last year.
A source close to Ben revealed that he’s frustrated by his return to smoking, saying, “Ben was so happy 20 years ago when he quit. He swore he’d never go back, but here he is just as addicted as ever and desperate to stop. He hates the way it smells and knows it’s terrible for his health, not to mention a terrible example for his kids.”
The insider added that while Ben’s commitment to staying sober has been admirable, his smoking habit remains a constant stress response. “Any time he feels stressed, he reaches for a cigarette, and he’s stressed a lot. But he’s saying he’s ready to try hypnosis again and has promised everyone he’ll start 1 January. He even booked his first session. He’s telling everyone that he wants to kick off 2025 smoke-free.”
After two years of marriage, Ben and Jennifer filed for divorce in August, following months of rumours about their troubled relationship. In June, the couple also put their Beverly Hills mansion on the market. As they work through the end of their marriage, Ben is reportedly leaning on his ex-wife Jennifer Garner for support during this difficult time.