Spencer Pratt recently criticized Ben Affleck for his past remarks on addiction and recovery. The conversation resurfaced from Affleck’s 2021 interview on “The Howard Stern Show.” Affleck, an Oscar-winning actor, has long been open about his struggles with alcoholism. During the interview, he shared his perspective, suggesting that suffering may serve as a cure for addiction.
“I hate to say it, but the cure for addiction, the only cure I’ve seen, and not like these f*cking overpriced rehabs or a lot of these fraudulent fixes that are sold to people,” Affleck said. “Alcoholics Anonymous, I think by and large, is a good organization. It’s not the only one. The cure for addiction is suffering.”
Affleck explained that enduring profound suffering led him to stop drinking. He emphasized how losing meaningful relationships, especially with his kids, prompted his decision.
Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, reposted the interview clip and criticized Affleck’s views. Pratt used the context of Los Angeles’ addiction issues, a pivotal theme in his campaign, to challenge Affleck’s statement.
“I’d love for Ben to join me on Skid Row and explain his addiction theory to the people struggling there,” Pratt wrote. “Plenty of suffering out there, and yet… somehow the addiction persists. I wonder what the difference is…”
Pratt ran for LA’s mayor, with a focus on tackling the city’s homelessness crisis, which he argued was primarily due to addiction. He blamed drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine for this problem.
Pratt supported compulsory treatment for severe addiction cases under California’s expanded conservatorship law. He proposed a comprehensive plan that included creating rehab sites, halting taxpayer-funded distribution of drug items, and partnering with the DEA to curb drug trafficking.
Affleck’s journey with alcoholism is well-documented. He first sought treatment in 2001 and had subsequent stays in 2017 and 2018. Affleck often speaks about how his responsibilities as a father motivated his sobriety. He shares three children with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, who have inspired him to maintain sobriety.
During an interview with Diane Sawyer on “ABC News” in 2020, Affleck reflected on how his father’s alcoholism influenced him. He expressed determination to provide a more stable environment for his children than he had.
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