Elizabeth Vargas: 20/20 Anchor Checks Into Rehab Center For Alcoholism

While on vacation in California, 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas checked herself into a rehabilitation center for her alcohol addiction, which she has been reportedly struggling with for years. On Satur...
Elizabeth Vargas: 20/20 Anchor Checks Into Rehab Center For Alcoholism
Written by Val Powell

While on vacation in California, 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas checked herself into a rehabilitation center for her alcohol addiction, which she has been reportedly struggling with for years. On Saturday, August 16, Vargas checked into rehab when she realized that she needed more help to achieve sobriety. The last time she was in rehab was last fall, when she checked herself in for several weeks in November.

“While on vacation this weekend, I decided to return to a recovery center. As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process.” said Vargas. “I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down and for that I am ashamed and sorry. I am committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease and want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support during this trying time.”

Meanwhile, ABC has expressed full support for Vargas’ recovery in a statement that says, “Nothing is more important than Elizabeth’s health and well-being and we stand squarely behind her. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth and her family and we look forward to having her back at ABC News when she feels ready to return.”

In an interview with Good Morning America in January, she revealed that she was an alcoholic, which took her years before she could admit it. She has suffered from panic attacks since she was a child and sought comfort in the bottle. “I dealt with that anxiety, and with the stress that the anxiety brought, by starting to drink,” she said.

The TV journalist is currently going through a divorce with her husband, singer-songwriter Marc Cohn, who reportedly cheated on her while she was in rehab last year. Cohn, with whom Vargas has two children, is reportedly supportive of her recovery.

Image via YouTube

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