ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas: 'I am an Alcoholic'

[happyg]

ABC News reporter Elizabeth Vargas is publicly acknowledging that she's an alcoholic, and says it took her years to admit it.

In an interview aired Friday on "Good Morning America," Vargas said hiding it from others left her "exhausted." Her go-to drink was wine which, increasingly during her adulthood, she used to manage her anxiety and stress.

She said she had suffered panic attacks since she was a child.

Last fall, Vargas spent several weeks in a treatment facility and is now in Alcoholics Anonymous. She told "GMA" co-anchor George Stephanopoulos she's "proud" of confronting her problem.

She said she's ready to resume her duties Friday as co-anchor of "20/20."

Vargas has worked in network news since 1993, first with NBC and then ABC, which she joined in 1996.


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[EC]

Glad she found the courage to ask for help.

[truth_seeker]

And many alcoholics in AA observe the tradition of anonymity.

[Gazoo]

It is sad that most any other occupation but this one would be horrified of going public with this disease.

Most any other occupation would be scandalized and forced to go do random testing. Imagine someone that drove a vehicle for a living admitting their disease. All of the most awful things would be assumed. But a GMA host is safe.

[EC]

And many alcoholics in AA observe the tradition of anonymity.

Step 1, my friend.

She has a stage. If she can use it for good, more power to her.

[mountaineer]

Barbara Walters stuns with ‘slap’ at Vargas over alcohol
By Emily Smith, NY Post
February 7, 2014 | 2:04am

The air froze over on “The View” when Barbara Walters made a catty comment about Elizabeth Vargas’ battle with alcohol addiction.

As “20/20” anchor Vargas appeared on the show Thursday to discuss her recovery, she explained how she kept her battle a secret from her ABC colleagues.

But Walters snipped, “We all knew!”

Vargas looked “like she had been slapped in the face, and the atmosphere turned Polar Vortex,” noted one spy.

The barbed comment did not impress ABC brass, who thought Barbara was out of line, we are told. Walters later called Vargas to apologize.

Last night, they made light of the cringe-worthy clip.

Barbara told us, “I love Elizabeth and have great admiration for her. I never would have deliberately said anything to hurt her, and I called to tell her that.” Elizabeth added, “This is silly! Barbara is a colleague and a friend.”

[EC]

I was not terribly fond of Ms. Walters already. This has now solidified into active dislike.

[aligncare]

I was not terribly fond of Ms. Walters already. This has now solidified into active dislike.

It's been rumored for years when Barbara first broke into television she was, how shall we say? Boy crazy.