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Batman and the Faces of Addiction

Ben Affleck alcoholism
Nobody can forget Heath Ledger’s iconic role as The Joker in The Dark Knight, a role that earned the actor an Oscar and many other awards.

But Ledger wasn’t able to receive his accolades, as the actor died in 2008 from an accidentally lethal combination of prescription drugs. [1] Ben Affleck shares a role in the Batman universe, playing the hero in Batman vs Superman and Justice League. Both actors have played roles in different incarnations of the DC franchise, and both have struggled with mental health or substance use disorders.

What We Can Learn from Heath Ledger’s Drug Overdose

Many people assumed that Heath Ledger’s untimely death was due to mental health issues stemming from his dark portrayal of The Joker. As Ledger’s sister, Kate, told the Daily Telegraph, the actor loved playing The Joker and the role did not leave him feeling depressed. “Every report was coming out that he was depressed and that [the role] was taking this toll on him, and we’re going, honestly, it was the absolute opposite,” she said. [2]

The documentary, I am Heath Ledger, set forth to dispel rumors that playing his iconic role sent the actor into a downward spiral of depression. After all, method acting for an exceptionally dark and twisted character must have put Ledger in a dark place. But as the documentary and his family try to explain, the actor’s death was caused by lack of sleep and an accidental overdose of several drugs: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, alprazolam, temazepam, and doxylamine. [3] These drugs are prescription pills that aren’t deadly on their own, but they can be deadly when combined.

The signs of drug overdose, especially with prescription drugs meant to calm the central nervous system, can include respiratory failure and slowing heart rate. If help is not received quickly, the overdose can turn deadly.

The drugs Ledger was taking were legal on their own, and many were prescription drugs. Even if Ledger didn’t struggle with prescription drug addiction, combining several different types of prescription pills can be dangerous. The actor’s fatal overdose shows the dangers of prescription drugs, especially mixing any medications.

 

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Ben Affleck’s Alcoholism

Ben Affleck is another actor tied to the Batman universe, though he recently revealed he will not be reprising this role in the future. There are many factors that may have led the actor to this decision, including his own battles with alcoholism. In 2001, the actor sought treatment for his drinking problems at the age of 29. After his split with Jennifer Garner in 2018, Affleck has been making headlines for difficulties with alcoholism.

The actor recently opened up about his family history of addiction. He explained to Barbara Walters that his father was an alcoholic. “He, you know, drank all day, drank every day, and to his credit, he got sober ultimately,” Affleck told the reporter. [4]

Now, Affleck is working on his sobriety. Affleck is seeking professional help from a drug and alcohol treatment center to better establish the groundwork of long-term sobriety. Fame and parenthood can’t keep Batman from needing help, but getting help is the most heroic thing Affleck can do for himself and his kids.

What Celebrities Tell Us About Addition

Heath Ledger and Ben Affleck’s stories show us that both the hero and the villain can struggle with addiction. Even celebrities, those who seem to have it all, may face difficulties with drugs, alcohol, or mental health. But reaching out for help is the most heroic thing a person can do.

Call 888-280-4763 to learn more about our treatment programs at Banyan Treatment Centers.

 

Sources:

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.