The '20/20' anchor says in a statement, 'I realized I was becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol,' and decided to seek help.
- Nov 7, 2013
AceShowbiz - ABC News reporter Elizabeth Vargas has checked into rehab to seek treatment for alcohol problems. The news is confirmed by the network on Wednesday, November 6. Vargas was last seen on "20/20" in October.
"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," a spokesperson for ABC, Jeffrey Schneider, says in a statement.
Vargas also has released a statement confirming her rehab stint. "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," she admits in the statement.
"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," she continues.
Vargas, who joined the network as a newsreader in 1996, is married to singer/songwriter Marc Cohn. The couple has two children together, 10-year-old Zachary and 7-year-old Samuel. She is also a stepmother to Max and Emily from Cohn's previous marriage.
