It’s a brave choice to go public with an addiction. That’s exactly what ABC‘s Elizabeth Vargas has decided to do, admit that she’s an alcoholic.
As a veteran news anchor, Elizabeth Vargas is used to covering the stories, not being a part of the story. On Wednesday, the ABC newswoman admitted that she is seeking treatment for alcohol addiction.
The 20/20 journalist has been noticeably absent from the Friday night show for a few weeks. Rumors started to make the rounds in the newsroom in New York after the production crew was told that Vargas was out on “medical leave.”
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A few of her coworkers suspected she had a problem with alcohol, so they are in full support of her choice to get help. The news was confirmed by the 51-year-old and the ABC network today.
Vargas said in a statement, “Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction. I realized I was becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol. And feel fortunate to have recognized it for the problem it was becoming. I am in treatment and am so thankful for the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues at ABC News. Like so many others, I will deal with this challenge one day at a time. If coming forward today gives one other person the courage to seek help, I’m grateful.”
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The network also chimed in with their support in their own statement.
An ABC spokesperson shared, “We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery. We look forward to having her back home at ABC News, where she has done so much distinguished work over the years. Elizabeth is a member of our family, and we will support her in every way we can.”
According to the NY Daily News, Vargas will be in rehab for a few more weeks before she returns to the 20/20 news desk.
She’s married to singer Marc Cohn and the couple have two sons together, Zachary, 10, and Samuel, 7.
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