Elizabeth Vargas has entered treatment for alcohol abuse, the “20/20” anchor revealed on Wednesday.
Vargas had been absent from the show for several weeks as she entered a treatment facility, she told the New York Daily News.
“Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction,” Vargas said in a statement. “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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“We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery,” ABC told TheWrap 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.”
Vargas joined ABC in 1996, and has anchored “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight” for the network. She’s been the co-anchor of “20/20” since 2004.
Vargas is expected to return to “20/20” when she completes her treatment.