ABC News anchor Elizabeth Vargas said today that she has been in rehab, seeking treatment for alcoholism.
“Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction. I realized I was becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol,” the 20/20 achor, 51, told E! News in a statement. “I am in treatment and am so thankful for the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues at ABC News.”
Vargas said that she is taking the challenge “one day at a time,” like others dealing with the same addiction. “If coming forward today gives one other person the courage to seek help, I'm grateful,” she said.
She checked into rehab a few weeks ago and plans to stay there for a few more weeks, an insider told The New York Daily News.
Once her treatment is finished, she will go back to ABC News as an anchor. She has been with the network since 1996, when she joined Good Morning America and has been 20/20’s co-anchor since 2004. She is married and has two children.
ABC praised Vargas for her decision in a statement. “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,” the network said.
image: ABC/ Donna Svennevik