When Elizabeth Vargas was mysteriously absent from her post as ABC's 20/20 co-anchor for weeks, people started to wonder where the seasoned reporter was. Now Vargas, 51, has confirmed that she's been in a rehabilitation facility for alcohol abuse.
“Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction," the anchor said in a statement obtained by multiple outlets. "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.”
The veteran journalist has been in the field since the early '90s and has worked on both The Today Show and Good Morning America.
She is married to singer-songwriter Marc Cohn and they have two children, Zachary, 10, and Samuel, 7. She's also the stepmother to Cohn's children Max and Emily from his first marriage.
ABC spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said in a statement, "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."
