ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas Checks Into Rehab for Alcohol Abuse

“If coming forward today gives one other person the courage to seek help, I’m grateful," the 51-year-old 20/20 anchor said in a statement

By Natalie Finn Nov 06, 2013 10:24 PMTags
Elizabeth Vargas, ABC's 20/20ABC

Elizabeth Vargas is getting help—and seeks to help others by speaking out. 

The 20/20 anchor confirmed Wednesday that she checked into rehab for alcoholism a few weeks ago.

"Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction. I realized I was becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol," the 51-year-old newswoman said in a statement obtained by E! News. "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 a day at a time. If coming forward today gives one other person the courage to seek help, I'm grateful."

Vargas joined ABC as a newsreader on Good Morning America in 1996. After anchoring World News Tonight on weekends, she was hired as coanchor of 20/20 in 2004. 

The married mother of two was picked in 2005 to coanchor the network's flagship World News Tonight with Bob Woodruff, but she stepped down in May 2006 after Woodruff was seriously injured in Iraq. She was, however, the first woman to helm a network evening newscast solo, albeit never in a permanent position like Katie Couric or Diane Sawyer.

Vargas returned to 20/20 in 2006 and has been coanchoring ever since, most recently with David Muir.

"We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery," Jeff Schneider, senior VP of communications for ABC News, said 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."