Veteran ABC News journalist Elizabeth Vargas of "20/20" fame is being treated for alcohol addiction.
The 51-year-old apparently took a leave of absence from the show several weeks ago to check herself into a "well-respected rehab facility,"
the New York Daily News reported this week. Citing a source close to Vargas, the Daily News reported that Vargas still has a few weeks of treatment remaining in the program.
On Wednesday, Vargas released a statement to the media addressing her addiction.
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"Like so many people, I am dealing with addiction," Vargas said in her 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," Vargas added. "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."
Vargas will return to her post at "20/20" upon completion of her program ABC New confirmed, having released its own statement on Wednesday that read in part, "We are proud of the steps Elizabeth has taken and are pulling for her recovery."
Vargas has worked at ABC News since 1996 and was considered for a time to be Peter Jennings' possible successor for the program "World News Tonight" following the anchorman's death in 2005.
Charles Gibson was eventually selected over
Vargas for the show, which is currently anchored by Diane Sawyer, the Los Angeles Times noted.
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Vargas is married to Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Marc Cohn, who is best known for his song "Walking In Memphis." The couple has two children together.
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