Close friends of Ben Affleck are said to fear that he has started “drinking again” amidst the whirlwind of speculation suggesting that he and Jennifer Lopez are headed for divorce.

It’s been repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that Argo star Affleck has moved out of the $61 million mansion he shares with his wife, while J-Lo last week canceled her planned tour of North America, citing the fact that she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Needless to say, the outlook doesn’t look overly positive where the couple’s marriage is concerned, not least as neither party has moved to quell the rumors that have dogged them over the past month.

For his part, Affleck has been candid about his struggles with alcoholism over the years, but his friends now fear he may spiral as he’s “full of demons”.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, one near friend of Affleck’s has said that the superstar actor is suffering from “acute sadness” following reports that his marriage is on the rocks. Other sources close to the 51-year-old suggested he was either “at risk” of slipping off the wagon, or is “already back on the booze”.

“I hear that he is drinking. He is full of demons – a really troubled person,” one friend told the Daily Mail. A second added: “I have seen him looking glassy eyed and it is a real worry to everyone who cares about him.