Spencer Pratt Criticizes Ben Affleck’s Addiction Comments

Spencer Pratt has publicly challenged Ben Affleck regarding past remarks made by the actor about addiction and recovery. A resurfaced clip from Affleck’s 2021 appearance on “The Howard Stern Show” showed the 53-year-old Oscar winner, who has been open about his battle with alcoholism, discussing his sobriety journey. Affleck stated that he believes the “cure for addiction is suffering,” implying that personal pain plays a pivotal role in overcoming addiction.

During the radio appearance, Affleck said, “I hate to say it, but the cure for addiction, the only cure I’ve seen, and not these overpriced rehabs or fraudulent fixes, is suffering.” Affleck, who has publicly acknowledged support from organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, argued that external support alone isn’t enough. According to him, only intense personal suffering can instigate change, pointing to his own experience of nearly losing everything he cared about, including his relationship with his children.

On Monday, Spencer Pratt, known for his focus on Los Angeles’ addiction crisis during his mayoral campaign, reposted the clip and criticized Affleck’s viewpoint. Pratt tweeted, “I’d love for Ben to join me on Skid Row and explain his addiction theory to those suffering severely, with addiction still persisting despite profound suffering.” Pratt’s comments highlight his perspective that suffering alone does not solve addiction.

Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate, lost his home in the Palisades Fire in January 2025. He announced his run for Mayor of LA and focused heavily on the city’s addiction crisis, particularly regarding fentanyl and methamphetamine. Pratt emphasized that Los Angeles faces a drug problem rather than merely a homelessness issue. He advocated involuntary treatment for those unable to seek help themselves and proposed large rehabilitation campuses, uniting with federal efforts to target drug trafficking.

Throughout his campaign, Pratt criticized Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman for ineffective spending on homelessness that didn’t adequately tackle addiction. Even after losing the mayoral race, Pratt continues to discuss addiction and homelessness policies on social media.

Affleck has been candid about his struggle with alcoholism, seeking treatment starting in 2001, with subsequent rehab stays in 2017 and 2018. His recovery commitments have been significantly motivated by his three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Affleck’s upbringing with an alcoholic father fueled his determination to pursue sobriety and prevent his children from experiencing similar struggles.