Lindsay Shookus Is Reportedly a ‘Positive Influence’ on Boyfriend Ben Affleck as He Recovers From Addiction

Quite the partner! Now that Ben Affleck and Lindsay Shookus are apparently giving their relationship a second shot, it seems like this time around things are stronger, especially since the actor is now sober.

“What drove them apart in the first place was Ben’s drinking and his ongoing divorce from Jennifer Garner,” a source recently told In Touch. “Now that Ben’s sober and single, things are less complicated. Sure, they still have to deal with living far apart but it’s a small hurdle compared to what they’ve already faced.”

The insider added, “All their friends are rooting for them. Lindsay makes Ben happy and is a positive influence on him.”

The pair originally dated from July 2017 to August 2018 but called it quits after the Justice League actor, 46, continued to have addiction issues. But things are different now with the Oscar winner recently completing a 40-day stint in rehab, as well as working all 12 steps.

Reports of the duo being back together come after news that Ben apparently wanted to take a year off from dating as part of his recovery from alcohol addiction so he could focus on himself and his health. “It’s going to be tough,” an insider close to the actor told In Touch earlier this year.

The source continued, “But Ben says he’s taking a year off from dating. It’s part of his recovery. No romantic entanglement means no distractions. I hope he can do it.”

The insider then explained how the director’s plan was only going to include new relationships. “He could hook up again with Shauna [Sexton, his 23-year-old former flame] or get back with Lindsay,” the source said. “Or who knows, maybe he’ll get back with Jen. His drinking is a big reason why they split, so if he’s sober …”

Well, looks like Ben chose to get back with Lindsay after all!