Elizabeth Vargas Opens Up About Alcohol Addiction, Admits She Felt Like A ‘Failure’
Elizabeth Vargas released a statement to ABC in which she spoke candidly about the trials and tribulations she has faced with alcohol and how she is now in rehab to try and deal properly with the problem.
People magazine reported that the 20/20 anchor said to the network:
“As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process. 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.”
Fortunately for Elizabeth Vargas, ABC is standing up for her and will have her back, as they confirmed in a statement they released about their employee:
“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.”
Elizabeth Vargas has been in rehab before, last November being her most recent visit. Even though alcohol is her main issue, Vargas previously sought treatment at a center which specialises in trauma due to the fact she had suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since childhood.
Previous attempts by Vargas to undergo rehabilitation haven’t been so successful. During her first attempt at a facility she reportedly left after just 28 days against the doctor’s better advice, only to return five days later..
On Good Morning America in January, Elizabeth Vargas opened up about her struggle with alcohol, a struggle she has made no secret of: “I am an alcoholic. It took me a long time to admit that to myself. It took me a long time to admit it to my family, but I am.” She confessed.
More recently, Vargas tweeted about Robin Williams’ untimely death, an incident which clearly affected her deeply. In that tweet she wrote: “I am so sad for robin – and his fight with addiction. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. — Elizabeth Vargas (@EVargasABC) August 12, 2014.
